Sussex Cricket Announces New Training Kit Sponsorship Deal with Webtrends Optimize

Sussex Cricket is delighted to announce that Webtrends Optimize will become the new Official Training Kit Sponsor for the Men’s first team for the next four seasons. 

The new agreement will see Webtrends Optimize become an Official Major Partner of Sussex Cricket, following on from the recent announcement that the market-leading technology company has also extended its sponsorship agreement of all of the Sussex Disability teams for another four years. 

The Webtrends Optimize brand will be visible across the front and back of all Nike training t-shirts, performance tops and training vests. 

Back in September 2023, the Club announced a multi-year agreement with KitKing to supply global sportswear brand Nike, starting from November 2023. 

The new replica Nike training kit will also be available for fans to purchase in the coming weeks, alongside the already released Nike leisurewear and eventually, the new playing kit, via the Club’s brand-new e-commerce platform managed by KitKing.

Speaking on the new agreement, Matt Smith, CEO of Webtrends Optimize, said: “Following on from the recent extension of our partnership with Sussex Cricket and the Sussex Cricket Foundation I am delighted that we are now able to extend our relationship even further by sponsoring the first team training kit for the next 4 years too.

The decision to extend our partnership further was an easy one for myself and my fellow directors at Webtrends Optimize. 

"We’re looking forward to spending time at Hove and seeing the team in the new fantastic new kit. ”

Lisa Hogan, Head of Commercial at Sussex Cricket, added: “It is fantastic news to have Webtrends Optimize onboard as the Official Training Kit Sponsor for the Men’s first team.

"Matt and his team at Webtrends Optimize are incredibly passionate about Sussex Cricket, not only the Men’s team, but also the Disability teams who they also sponsor.

“We look forward to working alongside them for many years to come.”

Sussex Cricket has today announced its Academy and Emerging Player Programme intake for 2024, along with the supporting demographic data for the Talent Pathway.

Boys EPP and Sussex Cricket Academy Squads

Emerging Player Programme (EPP) 

Ollie Hughes, Archie Hall, Fergus O’Connell, Jamie Schoeman, George Bamford, Aryan Kulkarni, Oli Mason, Billy Hemmings, Jonny Prior, Adam Ibrahim, Reuben Martin

Sussex Cricket Academy 

Frankie Cripps, Zan Copleston, Harry Eastman, Freddie Wallis, Rahul Tangirala, Ollie Avinou, Fergus Kenyon, Dylan Driscoll, Kieran Finnegan, Julian Laird, Louie Lawrence, Harry Walker, Sam Topping*

*Due to missing 2023 through injury, Sam Topping has been attached to the Academy as an overage player in 2024.

Boys Data

Demographics of Academy & EPP vs Sussex Population 

To benchmark the demographics data of the EPP and Academy, we have compared the numbers with the overall population data for the county of Sussex, taken from the 2021 Census. 

State School vs Independent Data 

Of the 23 intakes in the EPP and Academy, 26.08% of those attend state schools within Sussex, including 3 who attend Sussex Cricket’s state school of choice, the Brighton Aldridge Cricket Academy. 

This represents a 5.03% increase from the 2023 intake of 21.05%.

Oxfordshire Cricket Partnership

Sussex Cricket is delighted to confirm that two more players from the Oxfordshire Cricket partnership will be in the Academy for the 2024 season. 

Julian Laird and Dylan Driscoll will follow in the footsteps of Sussex First XI players, James Coles, Harrison Ward and Zach Lion-Cachet.

Hear from Julian Laird on being selected in the Sussex Cricket Academy

County Junior Squad Data - Boys

The following statistics relate to the players selected in the Boys’ Sussex Cricket Pathway for 2023/24 from U9’s to U16’s.

State School vs Independent Data

Of the 333 boys currently in the Sussex Cricket Pathway, a total of 169 (51%) currently attend state schools, 156 (47%) attend independent schools and the remaining preferring not to say. 

Girls Data

Demographics of Girls’ County Junior Squad vs Sussex Population 

State School vs Independent School Data – Girls

Of the 164 girls currently in the Sussex Cricket Pathway, a total of 80 (49%) currently attend state schools, 82 (50%) attend independent schools and the remaining preferring not to say. 

Keith Greenfield, Director of Pathways & Cricket Partnerships

Speaking on the announcement of the new Academy intake, Keith Greenfield, Director of Pathways and Cricket Partnerships, said: “Sussex Cricket is committed to working to provide as many opportunities as possible to talented players across the county, regardless of ethnicity, background or what school you attend to be able to fulfil your cricketing aspirations.

“This year we have maximised the number of players selected in the Academy group, this is virtually a new group into the Academy and the journey with this group of players to produce an exciting new crop of future professional players for Paul and Club for the years ahead has started.

“The impact of extra free state school coaching provision for players, the coaching opportunities within the program we’ve established with our state school cricket provider at BACA, the ongoing work in our two Urban Cricket plans in Crawley & Brighton and increasing quality of delivery in our Club systems are all having an impact on giving a balanced opportunity for all players across the board.

“Through the Sussex Cricket Foundation’s partnership with the Ned’s Fund, we have also been able to provide over £13,000 of funding through our Champion’s Fund, helping to provide financial support to aspiring cricketers in the Pathway.

We need to continue to identify and remove any barriers that exist to be able to fully participate.

“Our partnership with Oxfordshire Cricket continues to grow with seven further players involved into our upper end pathway activity following in the footsteps of the three pros from Oxfordshire we have signed to our professional squad in the last couple of years.”

Full Data

A breakdown of all the data for the Boys’ Cricket Pathway can be downloaded by clicking the button below*. This includes data related to ethnicity, age, background and the cricket club of the players who have made the intake. 

*All data accurate as of December 31st 2023

The Sussex Cricket Foundation is delighted to that it has extended its partnership with Ned’s Fund for a further two years. 

The two organisations initially teamed up back in March 2023 to provide financial support to Diyon De Silva, a young promising local cricketer who has excelled in the Sussex Cricket Pathway.

Ned's Fund* is devoted to supporting charities which give young people a chance to do something entirely new; to discover more about themselves and set a clear way of seeing their true potential.

Having previously contributed £2,400 to the Sussex Cricket Foundation’s Champions Fund in March 2023, Ned’s Fund has now committed to a further £4,800, which will once again go to supporting Diyon as he continues to progress through the Sussex Cricket Pathway.

The Champion’s Fund was created to support talented young cricketers in our boys, girls and disability cricket pathways, to help break down financial barriers associated to the game and help talented players fulfil their potential.

Since its launch back in 2021, the Champion’s Fund has provided over £13,000 of financial support to 16 players in the Pathway.  

To find out what a difference the Champion’s Fund has made to Diyon, we spoke to him after training at the Indoor School at The 1st Central County Ground. 

Gary Wallis-Tayler, Community Cricket Director, said: “I am delighted to have extended our partnership with Ned’s Fund, to help support Diyon’s development as a cricketer. 

“Diyon continues to grow as a cricketer and with support from Ned’s Fund, we hope it helps fulfil his ambitions in the game.”

Jo Marsden, Founder of Ned’s Fund, added: “It was really good to see Diyon just loving his cricket and seeing how our support has developed him as a player.  

“It's a real pleasure to be involved in the partnership with the Sussex Cricket Foundation and I very much look forward to watching Diyon play this summer.”

If anyone is interested in learning more about our Champions Fund or wishes to donate to the fund, please contact Community Cricket Director, Gary Wallis-Tayler on gary.wallis-tayler@sussexcricket.co.uk or visit http://www.nedsfund.co.uk/ 

This week we caught up with the newly announced County Championship Captain, John Simpson, as he begins life at Sussex-by-the-sea. 

We spoke to John about being named captain, his time at Middlesex and what his objectives are for the 2024 season across all formats. Check it out below:

Sussex Cricket and the Sussex Cricket Foundation are on the lookout for volunteers to help provide fantastic matchday experiences to supporters at T20 Blast games this season. 

If this sounds like something you'd be interested in, check out the flyer below for all the details and then get in touch!

2024 Fixtures at The 1st Central County Ground

• Friday 31st May v Gloucestershire. Arrival Time: 17.00
• Saturday 15th June v Surrey. Arrival Time: 17.00
• Thursday 20th June v Kent Spitfires. Arrival Time: 17.00
• Friday 05th July v Glamorgan. Arrival Time: 17.00
• Wednesday 10th July v Hampshire Hawks. Arrival Time 17.00
• Saturday 13th July v Essex. Arrival Time: 12.30
• Friday 19th July v Middlesex. Arrival Time: 17.00

As well as gaining event and match day experience each volunteer will receive a t-shirt plus a food and drink voucher.

If you are interested in becoming a Matchday Sharkie please complete an application form or email emma.brooke@sussexcricket.co.uk for more information. 

Tickets still available for a special evening with two legends of the game

Tickets for a special afternoon of anecdotes, stories and laughs with Michael Vaughan and Phil Tufnell at the Sussex Cricket Foundation's flagship fundraiser, 'Where Cricket Meets...' are selling FAST!

The fundraiser, taking place on Thursday 28th March 2024, helps to raise crucial funds for the Sussex Cricket Foundation and helps to provide significant funds to help the Foundation to continue to grow the game across Sussex.

Make sure you grab your tickets while you can and secure a night at the DoubleTree by Hilton Brighton Metropole with two legends of the English game. 

Speaking on the event, Michael Vaughan said: “I’m really excited to be supporting the Sussex Cricket Foundation with their fundraising, helping to support all the amazing work they carry out across the county, to increase participation and continue to make the game accessible to all.  

“I look forward to meeting everyone and having a fantastic afternoon in Sussex!” 

Ticket information

Tables of ten are priced at £1,000 or individual tickets can be purchased at £125pp, with all funds going directly to the Sussex Cricket Foundation. 

Tickets to the event include:

• Entry to the venue from midday until 5pm
• A welcome drink on arrival
• Three-course lunch
• Opportunity to take part in silent auction, live auction and a game of heads & tails
• Access to a private bar

If you’d like to book a table, please click here. 

To read about the important work the Foundation carries out in the county, look over their latest Impact Report 

With 'Where Cricket Meets...Michael Vaughan and Phil Tufnell' edging ever closer, Will Kirkup takes a look back at some of the career highlights of our two star guests. 

“Tufnell is going to be bought on to bowl from the Paddington End…"

“Ohhhhh and he’s gone! What a magnificent catch by Gooch!” Tony Greig on commentary, England 2-0 down in an Ashes series, the start of a Phil Tufnell five wicket hall at the Sydney Cricket Ground. 

A gem of a YouTube video transports one back to January 1991, with Tuffers skipping into the popping crease, sending one down towards David Boon in a perfect area, for him to tickle through to Graham Gooch, via a deflection off England keeper Jack Russell.

Boon, moustache twitching, perfects the art of trudging off wonderfully. Genuine fume. Kettle boiled. Steam leaves ears. Beautiful. He’d already made 97 in the first innings anyway.

In case you’re at all bothered, England went on to draw that test. Then lost the series 3-0. 

But the highly amusing plight of England playing test cricket in the 1990s was perhaps summed up by their happy go lucky off-spinner Phil Tufnell, now a national treasure.

It’s maybe forgotten that Tufnell was a magician when he got to work. He took 121 test wickets at 38 over a 11 year long career, and his performance against New Zealand in 1992 prove his credentials. In the third test he had figures of 11 for 147 and took the final wicket when New Zealand captain Martin Crowe holed out to Derek Pringle at mid-off. The ball truly was on his string that day.

Now he’s known for I’m a Celebrity, A Question of Sport and Strictly, as well as a provider of pure commentary gold on Test Match Special.

If you fancy meeting the great man, he will be joining Michael Vaughan at the Sussex Cricket Foundation annual fundraiser at the DoubleTree by Hilton.

Vaughan, another legend, was up there with some of the great England test captains. With the bat, class exuded. Just clinical of the back foot and through the covers. 

The hipsters amongst who will point out that the pinnacle of Vaughan’s batting grace came in 2002, before he became captain. That summer, he piled on a glittering 197 against India at Trent Bridge (his career top score) before racking up 195 at the Oval two tests later.

When England toured Australia that winter, he continued this habit of hefty centuries, making 177, 145 and 183 in the second, fourth, and fifth test respectively. 

He ended the series as top run scorer, with 633, and as the ICC number one batter in the world. However, you would be frankly deranged to suggest that his finest moment wasn’t his England captaincy during the 2005 Ashes series.

Any excuse to write about it, but a section on Vaughan would be bereft without one. Highlights included the greatest time bowling spell of all time on day one at Lords, as Glenn McGrath removed off-stumps with terrifying ease, that Kevin Pietersen performance at the Oval and of course Vaughan’s gem of an innings at Old Trafford. 166 beautifully forged runs.

We all know what happened, so I’ll resist dwelling on ‘the greatest series’ for too long.

Now Vaughan is a consistent voice on Test Match Special and across the BBC’s cricket coverage and the Sussex Foundation gives you the chance to hear from him.

The Sussex Cricket Foundations welcomes everyone from the local LGBTQ+ community to an afternoon of Coffee & Cake at the Cricket on Monday 5th February 2024.

A FREE community hub, offering the chances to sit and socialise in a safe and relaxed environment, at the home of Sussex Cricket, The 1st Central County Ground. 

This month, the Foundation also welcomes a guest speaker from Out4Cricket who with with and support the LGBTQ+ community and stakeholders in cricket to create inclusive environments and increase community participation. 

Fancy coming? We'd love to se you there! No need to book, simply turn up on the day. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Charlotte Burton at charlotte.burton@sussexcricket.co.uk 

This week we caught up with Sussex spinning all-rounder Bertie Foreman, who has been keeping busy over the winter playing cricket in Australia.

The young Sussex Academy graduate spoke with us about his time with Manly Warringah in Sydney, what life is like in Australia and his hopes for the 2024 season at The 1st Central County Ground. Check it out below. 

In this week’s Winter Watch we recap some outstanding batting from Daniel Hughes in the Big Bash, we take a look at how James Coles and Jack Carson are getting on with the England Lions and we have updates on the form of Dan Ibrahim and Bertie Foreman in Australia. 

Ibrahim and Carter cruise to victory

Last week we told you about Dan’s 3 wickets and 40 runs in day one of a two-day fixture in Australia for Newcastle City and day two (played the following Saturday) turned out to be even more fruitful for the Sussex all-rounder.

Ibrahim picked up another 3 wickets in the first innings, to take his bowling figures for 6-51 from 19.4 overs and with his opponents put into bat once again, Dan bowled superbly to take a fifer, conceding just 19 runs in the second innings. 

His performance, along with captain Oli Carter’s century in the first innings, gave Newcastle City a comprehensive victory in round 9 of the 1st Grade Rippit Premiership competition. 

To see Oli and Dan’s stats, along with all of their fixtures and results, click here.

Bertie Foreman’s form continues in Australia

Another product of the Sussex Pathway Bertie Foreman has spent his winter getting gametime for Sydney based Manly Warringah. 

Last week Bertie showed his quality with both bat and ball when he took 2-31 from his 10 overs and made a half-century (58). 

He followed up that performance with more runs and wickets on Sunday when he took 3-55 from 10 overs and contributing 34 runs with the bat against Randwick Petersham.

In white-ball cricket in Australia this winter, Bertie has taking 13 wickets an average of 11.07 and an economy of 2.8. 

Keep an eye out on our channels next week as we caught up with Bertie for an interview over Zoom to find out what life is like down under, his form this winter and his hopes for the 2024 season. 

Carson and Coles roar for the Lions

Sussex duo James Coles and Jack Carson’s tour of India is underway with the England Lions, with both making an impact on the side in their first appearances. 

England Lions started with a two-day warm up against India A, before a three-match four-day series against the hosts, with the first match ending in a draw. 

Coles made a useful 20 runs from 23 deliveries, batting a number 8. Carson, who did not bat, took 2 -65 from his 14 overs. 

The Lions are now 3 days into their opening four-day fixture, with Jack Carson shining on day 1 of the game. He made a blistering half-century, chalking up 53 from just 35 balls in the first innings. 

At stumps on day 3, India A require 331 runs going into day 4 with 6 wickets remaining. 

Two more matches remain, details of which can be found below:

24-27 January: England Lions v India A, Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad

1-4 February: England Lions v India A, Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad

Daniel Hughes' runs book Big Bash Final

Overseas Daniel Hughes played a pivotal role in a nail biting final group game for the Sydney Sixers as they ensured their place in the Big Bash qualifier with the final ball of the innings. 

Returning to the top of the order, Hughes made 74 from just 43 deliveries as he anchored the innings to give the Sixers a 3-wicket victory in one of the games of the tournament in the Big Bash. 

That knock included 7 fours and 2 sixes at a strike rate of 172.09.

But he wasn’t done there. In today’s qualifier Hughes built the platform for victory once again, making 42 from 33 as the Sixers booked their place in Wednesday mornings Big Bash Final. 

Go well, Daniel! #GOSBTS 

Register for exclusive access to match tickets

As Sussex fans you now have the opportunity to register for exclusive access to purchase your match tickets for the 2024 season.

The window to register for tickets for the County Championship, T20 Vitality Blast, Metro Bank One Day, and Southern Vipers games is now open until Thursday 1st February at 4pm.

Fans who register before this time will be able to purchase tickets for every individual match this season from 10am on Friday 2nd February, until they go on general sale at 10am on Friday 9th February.

How do I register for exclusive ticket access?

To register your for the exclusive window, please click here and visit our ticketing website. 

Please note: Your contact details, including an up-to-date mobile number need to be updated in order to register. You can do this by clicking the profile icon on the top right of the ticketing site once you are logged in. 

Why should I register?

By registering for priority access, you’ll ensure you get to choose the tickets and seats you like before they go on sale to the general public.

If you’re purchasing T20 match tickets, you’ll also ensure that you secure your tickets at the early bird prices. 

What fixtures can I buy tickets for?

You will be able to purchase tickets to every home game across the County Championship, all home group matches in the T20 Vitality Blast and Metro Bank One Day Cup, as well as Southern Vipers games. 

Plus, once again you’ll be able to purchase our One Day Cup Pass, giving you entry to all four home group games in the Metro Bank One Day Cup for the price of two!

What is a One Day Cup Pass?

A One Day Cup Pass is your ticket to all four home games in the group stages of the Metro Bank One Day Cup. And the best part? It costs the same as two individual match tickets.

So, if you’re looking at purchasing a ticket to a single Metro Bank One Day Cup match, why not buy a Pass and come to see every game in the competition throughout August. 

When is the deadline to register?

The deadline to register your interest for the exclusive purchase window is Thursday 1st February at 4pm. 

When can I purchase tickets?

If you’ve registered for the priority window before the deadline, you will then be able to purchase tickets for the games of your choice from 10am on February 2nd until they go on general sale to the public at 10am on Friday 9th February. 

Can I still purchase a Membership and Blast Pass for 2024?

Yes! Memberships and Blast Passes are still available for the 2024 season. Please visit the ticketing website to get yours today.