Surrey’s Ace Programme To Launch As Independent Charity

Surrey County Cricket Club’s ACE Programme – a project designed to increase cricketing opportunities for members of the Black community – is to be set up as an independent charity after receiving significant backing from Sport England.

The organisation will deliver some £540,000 over a three-year period, and will enable the programme to employ four full-time staff as well as creating opportunities for young people. 

Chaired by broadcaster, Surrey CCC Board member and the first black woman to play for England Ebony Rainford-Brent, the charity was created earlier this year and aims to address a 75% decline in cricket participation by members of the black community.

The ACE Programme has also received a grant from the ECB, which will allow the programme to be extended to Birmingham in 2021, and delivered in association with Warwickshire County Cricket Club. It will be overseen by ACE’s first Director of Programmes, Chevy Green, who will also become the programme’s first full time employee.

“I am absolutely honoured to become Chair of The ACE Programme Charity and create opportunities for the Black British community and talent to access the game,” said Rainford-Brent, who recently appeared on the Life Beyond Sport podcast with Sport Industry Group Chair, Nick Keller.

“Launching at the end of Black History Month is important to us, as it serves as a reminder that although the month is over there is a lot of work to do. This summer shone a spotlight on our game in light of the Black Lives Matter movement which made clear the barriers, decline and disconnection faced by the Black community. Our focus as a charity is to accelerate change, and the early signs of the ACE Programme show success is very possible with focus and investment.

“I am really pleased for Chevy who not only possesses very strong sports development skills, but also the passion and drive needed to take on this exciting challenge. I would also like to say a huge thank you to Surrey CCC for continued support, Sport England for our new partnership and our esteemed Honorary Patrons and Ambassadors who are lending their voice and support to the cause.”

In addition to Rainford-Brent and Green, the programme has appointed a number of honorary patrons, including former West Indies fast bowler and Sky Sports commentator Michael Holding, journalist and broadcaster Sir Trevor McDonald, the first Black cricketer to play for England, Roland Butcher, and Olympic gold medallist Denise Lewis.

After 70 young male and female players attended trials shortly before lockdown in early March, the programme restarted in the summer and delivered a coaching and match programme for 25 cricketers – including a 40 over game at the Kia Oval alongside members of Surrey’s Emerging Players Programme. 

Phil Smith, Director of Sport at Sport England, said: “Research shows that Black, Asian and minority ethnic people face more barriers when it comes to both accessing sport and being active on the whole – this is a deep-rooted issue that requires the right approach in the right locations, such as the ACE Programme. We are delighted to be able to help fund and support the programme over the next three years as it works to engage young people from African and Caribbean backgrounds with cricket while positively impacting under-represented groups and communities.”

According to the club one young player has already graduated from the programme to feature in matches for Surrey U18s.