ACE Programme in Sheffield

The African Caribbean Engagement (ACE) Programme is a cricket initiative designed to make the sport more accessible to children and young people from African and Caribbean backgrounds, while creating opportunities for talented players to progress into competitive and professional cricket.

In Sheffield, the programme is delivered through a partnership between the ACE Programme charity, the Yorkshire Cricket Foundation (YCF) and Sheffield Caribbean Cricket Club. It began in late 2022 and combines school-based coaching, community cricket sessions and a pathway for developing talented young players.

 

 

What does the Programme aim to do?

The programme was established against a backdrop of declining representation of Black cricketers in the recreational and professional game. ACE was founded by former England cricketer Ebony Rainford-Brent and Surrey County Cricket Club in 2020.

Its work in Sheffield has several connected aims:

  • Introduce children to cricket: Give young people the chance to try the sport, often for the first time, through accessible and enjoyable coaching.
  • Improve representation: Encourage greater participation by children from African and Caribbean communities, who have historically been underrepresented in cricket.
  • Develop skills and confidence: Provide regular coaching in a supportive environment where young people can learn, make friends and build self-belief.
  • Identify and nurture talent: Spot promising players in schools and help them access further coaching and development opportunities.
  • Provide positive role models: Increase the visibility of Black coaches and players, showing young people that cricket can offer opportunities at many levels.

The programme is not exclusively about finding elite players. Its community sessions also give children a welcoming place to participate, enjoy sport and develop socially.

Work with Schools

Schools are a key starting point for ACE’s work. Coaches introduce pupils to cricket through practical sessions, helping them learn the basic techniques, participate in games and discover whether they want to continue playing.

The aim is to create a link between schools and sustained participation outside school hours, rather than making cricket a one-off activity. Schools also provide an opportunity to identify children with potential who might not otherwise have been introduced to organised cricket. Alongside school sessions, after school clubs are also provided such as free Dynamo’s after school programmes.

Community Hubs and Opportunities for Young People

Community hubs are the next stage of the programme. They provide regular, accessible sessions for 7-15 year olds where children can practise what they have learned, develop their abilities and build relationships with other young players.

In Sheffield, the programme established a hub at Sheffield Caribbean Cricket Club in early 2023 and since then it has continued to run as a feature of the programme. During the winter there are two indoor community hubs:

  • Sheffield Indoor Cricket Centre, every Thursday 17:30-19:00
  • Concord sports centre, every Friday 17:00-18:00

The hubs are important because they offer continuity. A child can discover cricket at school, attend regular community coaching and, if interested, work towards more advanced opportunities.

The Development Support Officer - Caspar Laurent

Caspar Laurent has been a central figure in delivering ACE in Sheffield. His work connects schools, community coaching and the development of young players.

His responsibilities and contributions, include:

  • School engagement: Delivering cricket sessions in primary and secondary schools, introducing pupils to the game and identifying promising players.
  • Community coaching: Running hub sessions where children can improve their techniques, receive individual guidance and enjoy playing in a welcoming environment.
  • Player development: Helping young people move from introductory sessions towards more advanced coaching and the development squad.
  • Role modelling: He has emphasised the importance of young people seeing Black coaches and role models in cricket, helping them imagine their own potential in the sport.

Laurent has described enjoyment, a willingness to learn and a positive attitude as important qualities in young players. His approach combines developing cricketing ability with encouraging participation and giving children the confidence to pursue the game further.

Why the Programme Matters

ACE Sheffield’s work addresses both participation and representation. It creates opportunities for children who may have had limited access to cricket, while building a route for those who demonstrate the interest and ability to progress.

Its key contributions are:

  • Access: Free introductory sessions and local community hubs reduce barriers to trying cricket.
  • Inclusion: The programme actively engages African and Caribbean communities while welcoming young people of different backgrounds and abilities.
  • Development: Children can progress from school coaching to regular sessions and, where appropriate, more advanced training.
  • Confidence and belonging: Regular sessions offer opportunities for friendship, teamwork, learning and positive relationships with coaches.
  • Representation: Black coaches and players can serve as visible role models, while talented young people receive opportunities to pursue cricket more seriously.