Three Inspiring Days of Table Cricket Light Up Hove

Three Inspiring Days of Table Cricket Light Up Hove

Last month, the Sussex Cricket Foundation hosted three vibrant and action‑packed Table Cricket Festivals at The 1st Central County Ground in Hove, utilising both the Dean Wilson Boundary Rooms and the Aerotron Indoor School to welcome participants from across the county.

Table Cricket is an adapted, inclusive format of the sport, which provides young people with disabilities the opportunity to play, compete and experience Cricket in an exciting and accessible way. Played on a table tennis table with teams of six, the game blends strategy, skill and teamwork. Bowlers deliver the ball using a ramp, towards the batter, who tries to hit into scoring zones while avoiding the fielders positioned around the table.

These festivals have become very special days in the Foundation’s calendar and always provide unforgettable memories for the participants and staff alike. This year’s events featured 120 participants made up of 18 teams from 12 SEND and ALN schools across Sussex.

Each festival day was structured to support participants with different levels of additional needs. Schools were grouped so that players could compete alongside others with similar support requirements, creating the best possible environment for enjoyment and success. With the first two days focused on neurodivergent participants and those with additional learning needs and the third day primarily for young people with physical disabilities who require the most complex support, helping to ensure that they could participate fully in a setting tailored to their needs.

Day 3 participants were also treated to a special visit from Paul Farbrace, Director of Cricket and Head Coach of the Sussex Men’s team!

Helping the days run smoothly were five young leaders, who supported the Foundation’s community coaching team with umpiring and scoring, developing their leadership skills along the way.

Adding an extra layer of excitement, this year saw the first‑ever use of our illuminated Table Cricket table, bringing a heightened sensory experience and more interactive feel to the festivals.

Tom Belcher, Disability Cricket Manager for the Sussex Cricket Foundation added: 

“It’s been a fantastic three days of competition, and everyones’ enthusiasm for the new illuminated table has been brilliant. A huge thank you to all the schools involved, and best of luck to the teams heading to the Regional Finals.”

After some hard-fought competition, three standout schools secured their places in the Lord’s Taverners Regional Finals. Congratulations to Shoreham Academy, Manor Green College and The Angmering School (Lavinia Norfolk Centre), who now go on to represent Sussex in March at the K2 Leisure Centre in Crawley.

Thank you to everyone who took part and good luck to all three teams as they progress to the next stage. 

If you would like to find out more about our Disability Cricket programmes and school provision available in the SEND and ALN sector, please contact: disabilitycricket@sussexcricket.co.uk or visit our website.