Children at Ashmole Primary School in Lambeth had a day of cricketing inspiration as the school celebrated Black History Month with a focus on sport.
The event saw coaches from the Surrey Cricket Foundation and the ACE Programme visit the school, which sits almost in the shadows of the iconic Kia Oval cricket ground.
The day kicked off with an assembly led by the ACE team. Students learned about some of the most inspirational Black figures in cricket, including England stars like Chris Jordan and Sophia Dunkley, as well as ACE Programme founder and former England international Ebony-Jewel Rainford-Brent. The assembly served to highlight the significant contributions of Black athletes to the sport.
Following the assembly, coaches from both the Surrey Cricket Foundation and the ACE team ran fun, active cricket sessions throughout the day. A total of 180 children across school years 1 through 6 got the chance to pick up a bat and ball, learning fundamental skills and enjoying the game.
Events like these powerfully support the strategic aims of both the Foundation and ACE. By bringing cricket directly to schools like Ashmole, we’re not just introducing children to the sport; we’re actively working to ensure that The Oval—a place of cricketing history—feels accessible and welcoming to its local neighbours and the surrounding community.
“It was brilliant to bring the energy and excitement of cricket throughout the day at Ashmole Primary” said Surrey Cricket Foundation’s Diverse Communities Officer, Harjot Sidhu. “This visit, in partnership with the ACE Programme, is about so much more than just a coaching session; it’s about representation and opportunity. We want every child here, especially those living so close to The Kia Oval, to feel that cricket is for them. Seeing the smiles today shows us we’re building that crucial connection and making sure the path to the ground, and to the sport, is open to everyone.”
Click here to find out more about SCF’s work in the community.
