3,000 young cricket fans cheer Southern Vipers to victory

Every year the Sussex Cricket Foundation invites thousands of schoolchildren across the county to a dedicated fixture at Hove in a bid to inspire the next generation of boys and girls to take up the game of cricket.

For 2024, the Foundation invited the schools to Hove to witness the Southern Vipers take on the South East Stars in a thrilling Charlotte Edwards Cup encounter.

In total 70 schools made the trip, and they were not disappointed as the Vipers fielded eight Sussex players as well as numerous England internationals.

Sussex Women and Vipers captain Georgia Adams hailed the atmosphere as one of the best she has been involved in: “Wednesday was honestly one of the best atmospheres we have ever witnessed in a regional T20 game.

“The sun was shining and to see so many children smiling, singing and embracing the day was fantastic. It definitely pumped the whole team up and will go down in history as he best game I have ever played at Hove!”

As well as getting to watch the game free of charge, children were invited on to the pitch after the game, before having the chance to meet their heroes to take pictures and collect autographs.

A teacher from Lancing Prep added: "The organisation was incredible, the atmosphere electric and the cricket...well our arms ached from holding up the 6 and 4 cards you gave us!

“All the Sussex Cricket staff were so helpful and accommodating and friendly. We just loved it all. I can't thank you enough. Definite memories made for a very long time.”

Another leader from Our Lady of Sion Primary School said: "Thank you so much for an amazing day. It was so well organised with a great crowd and friendly staff.

"The children have been buzzing after this and we really appreciate you inviting us. What a team Sussex Cricket is!"

Sussex Women Head Coach and Director of Cricket at BACA (Brighton Aldridge Community Academy) Charlotte Burton added: "It was simply awesome. The atmosphere, the organisation, the pitch, the weather, the cricket…it was like nothing I’ve seen before in 30 years of watching domestic women’s cricket.

"I want to pass on my thanks as a school leader to the unbelievable effort of everyone involved to make this day such a resounding success. The students had an amazing day and many memories formed.

"As the Head Coach of Sussex Women, it also gave me great hope for the future.

"The belief shown by the Club in the women’s game and also in the potential fan base we have for years to come is exceptional."

The Sussex Cricket Foundation would also like to thank Major Partner, 1st Central for the support the fantastic volunteers they provided to ensure they day ran smoothly. To find out more about Women and Girls cricket across Sussex, please visit sussexcricket.co.uk/sussex-cricket-foundation/women-and-girls