Our Story

Transforming Lives Since 1986

Who We Are

Based at the picturesque Arundel Castle Cricket ground, the Arundel Castle Cricket Foundation is a youth education charity that inspires and enables healthy living, educational attainment and social inclusion for children and young people facing inequality of opportunity or disadvantage.

Using the power of cricket, the outdoors, and our unique, education-rich setting, we provide magical, life-enhancing experiences that give young people the skills and confidence to learn, grow and succeed.

Three Communities We Serve

Inner City London

Young people from deprived inner-city London communities facing social, educational, and racial inequality.

SEND Youth

Young people with special educational needs and disabilities who face additional barriers to participation.

Local Community

Local young people struggling with education, excluded from mainstream schooling, or living in care.

Our Journey

1895

The Arundel Castle Cricket ground is built by the 15th Duke of Norfolk as a 3.5 acre amphitheatre.

1975

Friends of Arundel Castle Cricket Club formed to support the ground and its activities.

1986

Arundel Castle Cricket Foundation officially formed to support disadvantaged young people.

1989-1991

Through the generosity of Sir Paul Getty, an Indoor Cricket School is built and opened by H.R.H. The Prince of Wales on August 2nd, 1991.

1992

London Boroughs Youth Programme established, bringing inner city young people to Arundel.

1996

Lord's Taverners Inner Cities Trophy established, expanding cricket opportunities.

1998

Blind and partially sighted cricket programmes begin, increasing accessibility.

2000

Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Programme formally established.

2019

John Barclay retires as Director after 30+ years of transformational leadership.

2020

Tim Shutt appointed as new Director, continuing the Foundation's mission.

2023

Record numbers of young people participate in our programmes.

2026

Celebrating our 40th Anniversary - 50,000+ young lives transformed!

History of Arundel Castle Cricket Ground

The Arundel Castle Cricket ground is a 3.5 acre amphitheatre built in 1895 by the 15th Duke of Norfolk. The Ground is generally acknowledged to be one of the most beautiful anywhere in the world and provides a lovely setting for players and spectators alike.

In 1986 the Arundel Castle Cricket Foundation was formed, and in 1989, through the great generosity of the late Sir Paul Getty, building work began on an Indoor Cricket School. This was completed in 1990 and formally opened on August 2nd 1991 by H.R.H. The Prince of Wales. This state-of-the-art facility enables us to deliver year-round programmes in all weather conditions.

Our Mission

Inspire

We inspire young people to believe in themselves and their potential through positive experiences.

Enable

We enable healthy living, educational attainment, and social inclusion for all participants.

Transform

We transform lives by providing magical experiences that build skills, confidence, and resilience.

Be Part of Our Story

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