ACE - Edgbaston Foundation

We are proud to partner with ACE to support diverse talent from grassroots to the elite game, working together to strengthen talent pathways, elite academies, and workforce development.

Our shared aim is to engage and inspire young people of African and Caribbean heritage, increasing the number of players involved in cricket across our communities.

By establishing clear talent pathways and effective talent identification systems, supported by accessible sessions, we are creating greater opportunities for local Black communities to connect with, enjoy, and progress within the game.

Our goal is to enter new areas and reach children who have not been involved in cricket at all, and helping cricket rebuild connections with communities that have become disengaged from it. The reality is that it’s a significant, ambitious challenge, but that’s been our focus for the past five years.

Ebony-Jewel Rainford-Brent
Chair of the ACE Programme

Schools

Build grassroots cricket programmes in targeted black communities in Warwickshire and Birmingham

Community

Inspire students who love cricket at school to attend ACE Community Hubs

Performance

Run elite academy programmes to allow talented players fulfil their potential

ACE in Schools

In partnership with ACE, we run a programme across Warwickshire and Birmingham that offers free cricket sessions to local state schools for students in Years 6 to 9.

Our aim is to build strong relationships with schools and community centres, giving young people greater access to coaching while encouraging physical activity and social engagement.

If you are interested in ACE delivery at your school, please contact Ronnie Barker, ACE Cricket Development Officer.

ACE in the Community

ACE Community Hubs are free weekly sessions designed to encourage local school children to get involved in cricket within their community.

Working with the ACE Programme, Ronnie Barker delivers a number of community hubs across Warwickshire and Birmingham.

Portland Road Hub at Edgbaston Community Sports Ground (Portland Road, Smethwick B17 8LS) Wednesday 5-6:30pm

Performance Pathways

Development Centre Academy

The ACE Development Centre Academy provides talented young players with additional high-quality cricket sessions, giving them the chance to challenge themselves, grow their skills, and reach their full potential.

Blaze Her Trail

Blaze Her Trail is an ACE initiative focused on identifying, recruiting, and nurturing female athletic talent of African and Caribbean heritage (ages 15-21). The programme aims to support the development of future professional cricketers who can bowl at speeds above 75mph, with the long term ambition of preparing athletes who have the potential to represent Team GB at the 2028 Olympics.