Square One and University of Brighton launch 60 fully funded cricket academy places to keep elite player pathways open beyond age 18

Co‑founded by Sir Rod Aldridge and former professional player and coach Rob Ferley, Square One has partnered with the University to create a high‑performance cricket pathway that keeps opportunities open for players while they study – rather than forcing early make‑or‑break decisions at 18.

“Cricket currently asks young people to be ‘good enough’ at 18 — not because it’s right, but because it’s where resources traditionally stop,” explained Rob Ferley. “We don’t believe talent has an expiry date. If we can keep the door open longer with the right coaching, support and competitive environments, cricket becomes more equal, more transparent, and ultimately more diverse. That’s great for players and great for the game.”

Square One Cricket Academy is located within the Brighton Sport and Health Complex at the University of Brighton’s Falmer campus. It is the UK’s largest indoor cricket academy and the second-largest indoor cricket facility in the world – larger than both Lord’s Indoor Cricket Centre and the National Cricket Performance Centre at Loughborough University.

This cutting-edge environment strengthens the University of Brighton’s ambition to be a leading provider of sports education with elite facilities and a high‑performance culture embedded across its Falmer campus.

The 60 funded academy places will provide players with free access to the Square One pathway, including high‑performance coaching, structured player development and access to elite indoor facilities throughout their degree. Facilities include:

• Nine-lane indoor cricket nets with full 21‑metre run-ups

• Ball‑tracking and advanced performance technology

• Merlyn and other advanced bowling machines

• Two indoor cricket courts

Coaching will be led by Square One’s performance staff, supported by nationally recognised figures including James Tredwell (England World T20 winner) and Mark Robinson OBE (World Cup‑winning Head Coach). The university will provide integrated academic, wellbeing and student support, ensuring players can manage their training schedule alongside their studies.

Students will also be able to apply for additional financial assistance through the university’s Brighton Boost initiative, which provides support worth up to £1,000 from Boost to help with first-year study, accommodation or travel costs.

Sir Rod Aldridge, co-founder of Square One Cricket Academy, said: “This programme is open to students regardless of background, removes financial barriers to high-quality cricket provision and places learning, decision-making, and a love of the game at the centre of development. It is designed to re-imagine how cricket is taught, accessed and experienced – not simply based on how a person performs.”

Professor Donna Whitehead, Vice‑Chancellor of the University of Brighton, said: “This groundbreaking partnership with Square One has seen us create the UK’s largest indoor cricket academy at the University of Brighton. Together, we will support aspiring cricketers to develop their sporting talents while studying for a university degree, ensuring they are set for success whichever path they choose.

“By supporting a free flagship programme, the University is leading a national conversation about access, excellence, and how sport can be reshaped in a modern educational context. This partnership brings together education, community and international opportunity – and places Brighton at the centre of that story as a destination for progressive sport, education and research.”