Ace Programme academy scholars have been rubbing shoulders with the professionals in recent weeks. They were asked to provide a guard of honour for both Gloucestershire County Cricket Club and England.
The scholars took to the field on the 8th of June, at the 2nd T20I between England and the West Indies at the SEAT Unique Stadium in Bristol. A few weeks later, they did the same for a Vitality Blast T20 game vs Surrey CCC.
Welcoming the England and West Indian players as they entered the field was a surreal day for those involved. Cameron Jeffers, ACE Development Officer for Bristol, said:
“We jumped at the opportunity to form a guard of honour around the England team. It was a great opportunity for our scholars to experience an international match with the best view in the stadium!
The opportunity to cheer on and meet some of the best players in the world is a day that our scholars will remember for years to come. We want to thank the ECB for providing the opportunity to experience something so unique!”
About the academy
The ACE Academy is the elite pillar of the programme. The academy consists of players aged 9-21 who have the ambition of being professional cricketers. The academy began to assist the integration of the county age group pathway with participants from an African-Caribbean background.
In Bristol, this has taken the shape of talented players training at world-class facilities in the SEAT Unique Stadium. Having access to top-of-the-line equipment, the academy is a place where talent is nurtured after it’s been identified.
ACE have 7 academy hubs across the UK, which provide the foundation for selection into ACE’s playing XI. Each of these hubs also provides a strong foundation for selecting teams all over the country. With 80 showcase fixtures planned for the 2025 season, every location is critical for the success of the programme.
Autographs, Selfies, and Kit!
During the England match, just when they thought things couldn’t get any better, some of the ACE scholars were lucky enough to get some goodies! They also had the chance to get autographs and meet the players.
Carter Bryan, a young right-arm seamer who’s been with us for two years, recounts his experience:
“It was great to represent ACE at the county ground for the England v West Indies match. Being part of the guard of honour made me feel really proud!
Watching the game was exciting because I thought the WI’s set a winnable target and hit some amazing sixes!!!! “
“I was lucky enough to be gifted a pair of signed batting gloves from Shimron Hetmyer, these were given to me by one of the WI’s coaching team!!! It was a fantastic experience and one I won’t forget!
