The University of Brighton is set to open the UK’s largest indoor cricket academy, offering aspiring cricketers the chance to develop their sporting talents alongside academic studies.
Launching in September 2025, the Brighton Cricket Academy is a pioneering collaboration between the University and Square One Education Ltd. It will be housed within the university’s new Brighton Sport & Health Complex, making it the second largest indoor cricket facility globally.
Designed for players of all ages, genders, and skill levels, the academy will be open to students across foundation, undergraduate, and postgraduate programmes. The comprehensive training environment supports both athletic and academic growth.
Top-tier Facilities Include:
- Nine-lane indoor nets with full-length 21m run-ups
- Ball tracking systems
- Advanced bowling machines (including Merlyn and self-feeding models)
- Two indoor cricket courts
- Grass practice wickets
Spanning approximately 2,200 square metres, the academy surpasses even Lord’s Indoor Centre and Loughborough University’s National Cricket Performance Centre in size.
Square One Education Ltd, co-founded by former Kent and Nottinghamshire cricketer Rob Ferley and Sir Rod Aldridge, President of Sussex Cricket, will oversee the academy’s daily operations. A team of expert coaches will deliver the programme, which will also be open to local clubs and schools.
Dave McIlwaine, Sussex Cricket’s Head of Performance, said: “It is great to have Ross and his fellow University of Brighton students provide an extra hour of valuable strength and conditioning training every week to help our young cricketers reach their potential. This is an incredibly significant boost to the development of the players.”
The revamped Falmer campus is now home to world-class facilities supporting sport, education, and research. Sports science students at the university will gain hands-on experience working with academy athletes through professional placements.
Open days will be held at the Falmer campus on Friday 27 and Saturday 28 June. Interested students and families can learn more and book a place online. Photo by Artsbrighton Michael John Wilson, Wikimedia commons.