Sussex launches Foundation Pathway Development Programme

Sussex Cricket launches Foundation Pathway Development Programme

Sussex Cricket is delighted to announce the launch of the new Foundation Pathway Development Programme, a significant update to the Club’s Talent Development Framework.

The new programme is a response to a number of recommendations made by the ICEC Report in relation to delivering a more localised Pathway that requires cricketers from U9s to U12s to travel less to play cricket and provide them with even more opportunities to access the game. 

Previously managed by the Cricket Performance Department, the new setup will now be run by the Sussex Cricket Foundation, and will see programmes running in North, South, East and West Sussex.

The new programme will then lead into the County Age Group Programme from U13s upwards, as designated by the ECB and will continue to be run by the Cricket Performance Department.

The Girls Cricket Pathway will continue to run as normal in 2025 whilst we continue to discuss how the programme will operate in the future following Sussex Cricket becoming a ‘Tier 2’ county.

These changes will come into effect from September 2024.

The Foundation Development Programme will be managed by Matt Parsons, Territory Manager for the Sussex Cricket Foundation, and will involve coaches already involved in the existing programme.

Sussex Cricket and the Sussex Cricket Foundation are extremely excited by the changes and are fully committed to delivering even more high-quality programmes, developing homegrown players and helping to provide outstanding local talent for the Sussex Men’s and Women’s First Teams in the future. 

Gary Wallis-Tayler, Community Director for the Sussex Cricket Foundation, added: “We are excited to be relaunching our area cricket programme, a programme that was successful previously. 

“The Foundation is committed to making cricket accessible to all, providing opportunities for people to play and breaking down barriers associated to the game.”

Keith Greenfield, Director of Pathways and Cricket Partnerships added: “This programme will help break down barriers, whilst creating an accessible pathway to help talented cricketers across the county to fulfil their potential. 

“We are looking forward to working closely with our Professional Cricket Department to deliver a high-quality programme.”

Further details of the programmes for this coming winter will be provided in due course. 

New Pathway Structure