Cricket 101
Students from one of the most deprived communities in London visit Arundel to enjoy a range of activities and experiences designed to promote social inclusion and mobility, give young people new skills, boost confidence and help raise aspirations. The programme is delivered in partnership with Aldridge Foundation, a charity dedicated to developing the life and employability skills of disadvantaged young people from deprived and challenging communities.
About the programme
Students from Duke’s Aldridge Academy in Tottenham leave the capital, the first time for many since the start of the pandemic, and visit the Sussex countryside for a three-day residential experience. Students take part in cricket coaching, woodland activities including building dens and camp fires, visits to the Arundel Castle gardens to learn about the history of the area and a fun trip to Littlehampton beach. The Arundel coaching team help young people to develop core skills such as team-working, problem-solving and resilience. Students are encouraged to focus on their wellbeing, with time and space to reflect among beautiful green surroundings and away from their usual environment. The success of the three-day programme and the impact of the Sussex countryside is underlined by the students reflection on their experience when they return to school.
Watch our short interview with the Assistant Headteacher from Duke’s Aldridge Academy to hear how the programme is helping students to develop their skills and confidence.
What the students say
“It was such a lovely experience. In Tottenham it’s just concrete, and sometimes you can feel really closed in. Arundel was absolutely beautiful, with greenery, birds singing and the castle was amazing.”
“We’ve been stuck in lockdown for such a long time. This trip really helped. I did things I wouldn’t normally have done and it actually felt like I was releasing negative energy and creating something positive.”
“It was so green compared to Tottenham, which is grey and boring. I loved the castle and playing cricket, but I really enjoyed the den building, and working as a team. I feel like I’m good at teamwork now, which will help me in school too.
Year 9 students from Duke’s Aldridge Academy
Key outcomes
“This was an amazing opportunity for the young people we support to take part in new activities, spend time outdoors, develop new skills and experience different surroundings away from their usual environment. Sports and outdoor activities are an amazing way to benefit young people’s health and wellbeing, help build important life skills and increase self confidence. They are also two of Aldridge Foundation’s main focus areas, which is why this residential trip and our partnership with the Arundel Castle Cricket Foundation, is so important to us.”
Shona Nichols, Chief Executive, Aldridge Foundation
Going forward, we would like to make the Duke’s Aldridge Academy residential an annual event, as part of our Inner London programme. We are looking for funds to help this happen. If you can help in any small or larger way, please make a donation or get in touch at foundation@arundelcastlecricket.co.uk
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