Archer and Jordan Sign Up as ACE Ambassadors

Archer and Jordan, currently in South Africa preparing for England’s white ball series in Cape Town and Paarl, join England Women’s all-rounder Sophia Dunkley and former stars including Mark Butcher and Alex Tudor in backing the programme, which was recently funded by Sport England for the next three years.

The ACE Programme Charity was originally setup by Surrey County Cricket Club earlier this year and will launch in Birmingham next year with the aim of addressing a 75% decline in cricket participation by members of the Black community. It is chaired by Ebony Rainford-Brent, a broadcaster, Surrey CCC board member and the first Black woman to play for England.

After 70 young players – male and female – attended trials shortly before the lockdown in early March, the programme this summer delivered a coaching and match programme for 25 young players, including a game at the Kia Oval alongside members of Surrey’s Emerging Players Programme.

https://twitter.com/WarwickshireCCC/status/1331544717507649536

As well as Archer and Jordan, the ACE Programme Charity is championed and supported by its four recently appointed Honorary Patrons: former West Indies fast bowler and now Sky Sports commentator Michael Holding; veteran journalist and broadcaster Sir Trevor McDonald; the first Black cricketer to play for England, Roland Butcher and Olympic gold medallist Denise Lewis.

In addition to the Sport England funding, the ACE Programme has also received a grant from the England and Wales Cricket Board, allowing a programme to be launched in schools in North West Birmingham in 2021. This will be delivered in association with Warwickshire County Cricket Club and led by Warwickshire Cricket Board's Eaton Gordon.

Speaking from South Africa, Jofra Archer said: “Well done to Ebz for getting ACE up and running! I’m looking forward to playing my part in encouraging as many kids as possible to get involved in cricket.”

Chris Jordan added: “I’m really proud to be an ambassador for the ACE Programme. I think it’s an amazing initiative and I hope I can play my part in getting as many kids involved in our sport as possible.”