Sussex Cricket and BACA appoint World Cup winner to lead state school programme

BACA is the state school partner of Sussex Cricket, with students combining academics with top class cricket coaching and exceptional facilities. BACA has consistently been named in the top 100 schools for cricket in the country, and until this year, was one of only six state schools awarded this honour.

The cricket programme at the academy was previously led by Alexia Walker, who has taken the role of women's Head Coach at Sussex Cricket. And now BACA is delighted that Sussex Cricket has now appointed Robinson as State School Technical Lead, which will include leadership of the cricket provision at BACA, ensuring that BACA remains at the forefront of cricket.

Robinson is an excellent appointment, with an outstanding track record in professional sport. As a player, he was extremely successful playing for Sussex, Yorkshire and Northants.

As a coach, he is nothing short of a winner, having won many major honours in the professional game. Mark has won the Women's World Cup with England, as well as leading Sussex and, most recently, Warwickshire to many domestic titles. He has also spent time with England U19 and Lions teams, which underlines his superb ability to develop talent. Whilst leading the cricket academy at BACA, Mark will also continue to work with Paul Farbrace and the Sussex professional players.

Another part of Robinson's role to be to work closely with Gary Wallis-Tayler (Community Cricket Director) and the Sussex Cricket Foundation Team, to help revolutionise state school cricket in Sussex. Exciting plans are in place to change the landscape of state school cricket across the county, which will provide increased opportunities for boys and girls to access the sport, strengthen the recreational club network, and help identify new talent to feed into Sussex Cricket’s pathway system.

Robinson said: “I am looking forward to, and delighted to be appointed as, the Director of Cricket for BACA. My mum was a teacher on an estate in Hull, and fought hard to give students equal opportunities, and it makes me proud. I'm following in her footsteps to try and create a difference, and make sure cricket is available for everybody.”

Principal Jack Davies said: “We are more than excited to welcome Mark Robinson to our school, and I look forward to working closely with Mark to further our students’ cricket skills and game results in the coming seasons.”

Sussex Director of Cricket, Paul Farbrace, said: “This is a unique opportunity to appoint a head coach with a vast array of experience, across both the men's and women’s teams. With many domestic trophies, and the Women’s World Cup in his list of achievements, Mark will be well-placed to help young people develop as successful cricketers and as young adults through the partnership between BACA and Sussex Cricket.”