Foundation

Virtual Schools Cup winners revealed

30 Mar 2021

Pupils from winning school Southwater Junior Academy take part in one of the weekly activities from the Sussex Cricket Foundation Virtual Schools Cup

Southwater Junior Academy have been announced as winners of the Sussex Cricket Foundation Virtual Schools Cup, which replaced the Foundation’s coaching programmes in schools this winter as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Over 2,350 pupils from 28 schools took part in weekly skills challenges set by Sussex Cricket Foundation coaches over ten weeks either side of Christmas. The competition was run in partnership with Chance to Shine and Sussex Cricket’s community partner, 1st Central.

Pupils from Southwater Junior Academy achieved the highest average score, with Central C of E Academy, Chichester in second place and Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School, Hasting finishing third. All three will be sent fantastic kit prizes, while Southwater Junior Academy will receive a visit from one of Sussex’s professional players later this year.

The schools winning each of the ten weekly challenges have also been rewarded with a signed Sussex Sharks one-day shirt.

A competition to see which Sussex School Games area would provide most entries to the Sussex Cricket Foundation Virtual Schools Cup was won by the southern ‘Sabres’ area. Schools from the area will also be sent kit packages.

Ollie Smith, Sussex Cricket cricket development officer and Chance to Shine lead said, “In response to the November lockdown and the pausing of our in-person Chance to Shine primary schools delivery, we wanted to ensure that we were able to keep children active whilst maintaining some connection to cricket within our schools.

“It was our first attempt at running a competition like this and as the numbers show, it’s been a tremendous success! The level of participation from a number of schools was superb and just shows what the power of cricket can have even if not in person.”

Paul Showell, PE instructor at winning school, Southwater Junior Academy, said, “We thoroughly enjoyed taking part in the Sussex Cricket Foundation Virtual Schools Cup. In such a difficult time, it helped our pupils to be active, try a new sport, or continue playing one they already loved, either at school, or at home during the holidays!

“So many of our pupils took part in the challenges, led by our Year 6 PE monitors, which helped with their roles as Sports Leaders and improved their confidence. Regardless of whether or not we won the competition, we would definitely take part in a similar programme again in the future. We would like to thank all of the coaches from Sussex Cricket Foundation, as well as the club itself, for putting on such a fantastic competition!”

Daniel Jenner, Sussex School Games southern area organiser, added, “The Virtual Schools Cup was a huge success. It was great to see so many children engaging in the different challenges not just from the Southern School Sports Partnerships Area but also countywide.

“Thank you to Sussex Cricket Foundation for providing the opportunity for young people to stay active and develop new skills during these times and hopefully in the Summer we will get the chance to compete again.”