Sussex Cricket Foundation Support State School Cricketers with Trip to New Zealand

Sussex Cricket Foundation Support State School Cricketers with Trip to New Zealand

The Sussex Cricket Foundation in partnership with Brighton Aldridge Community Academy (BACA), Arundel Castle Cricket Foundation and The Willows Cricket Club in New Zealand have teamed up to support two talented state school cricketers from BACA.

Sean O’Donnell and Maddy Storey, both members of the BACA Sixth Form Cricket Academy have been selected to take part in the exchange programme with The Willows Cricket Club. Sean who was captain of the BACA 1st XI this summer and Maddy, Head Girl at BACA, both play recreational cricket in the Dean Wilson Sussex Cricket League for Roffey Cricket Club & Horsham Cricket Club respectively.

The trip will see Sean & Maddy continue their cricketing journey by playing club cricket in New Zealand, whilst also helping support the club’s junior section by coaching in their spare time. The trip also providers both students with the opportunity to experience a new culture and make life-long memories in the process.

As part of the partnership, it will see two young players from The Willows come over to the UK to play club cricket in the Dean Wilson Sussex Cricket League whilst supporting the work of the Arundel Castle Cricket Foundation by helping deliver on their charitable programmes.

Gary Wallis-Tayler, Director of the Sussex Cricket Foundation said: 

“I am delighted that we have been able to continue our partnership with The Willows Cricket Club this winter. The exchange programme provides two young people from our state school cricket programme with the opportunity of a lifetime, and an opportunity to develop their cricket & life skills in a different part of the world which will set them up for future success.”

David Bowden (Chair of BACA Cricket Committee) said: 

BACA is delighted to be involved in this pioneering exchange programme, by being invited to propose two of its post-6th form cricketing students to participate in the Dormer Melluish Aldridge Scholarship.

“The programme has been designed to provide the cricketing scholars with life-changing experiences, to which they would otherwise not have access. There is no doubt that this will enhance their levels of self-confidence and unlock the potential in their lives ahead, towards the objective of creating a better society - all of which mirror the aims of BACA!"

"Maddy and Sean both have strong work ethics and I wish them all the best of good fortune in the adventures ahead. I am sure they will embrace all the opportunities they will experience both on & off the pitch, learn new skills and enjoy themselves in doing so."

To follow the progress of the pair, please visit The Willows Cricket Club’s website.