Square One: A New Inclusive Approach to Cricket in Brighton
Square One Falmer, located in the Brighton area and recently opened for three weeks, is a repurposed tennis hangar now considered the world’s second-largest cricket hall. The facility is designed with inclusivity at its core, aiming to open access to cricket for a wider and more diverse group of players.
The project was founded and invested in by Rob Ferley, a former Kent and Nottinghamshire left-arm spinner and coach; James Wallis, a sports science lecturer at Brighton University; and Rod Aldridge, an entrepreneur and benefactor. Their vision is to develop up to 150 Square One centres nationwide, with models that include partnerships with state schools and the repurposing of existing spaces.
The hall features innovative design elements such as color-coded nets with rainbow-style mats and tactical targets. It also uses microchip balls that provide real-time data on a bowler’s speed and shot location via a screen at the bowler’s end.
Located beside Brighton Aldridge Community Academy, Square One seeks to embed cricket fully into schools and physical education, breaking down traditional gatekeeping that limits access to the sport. The venture critiques the existing ECB programmes for failing to address issues of language barriers, cultural differences, elitism, sexism, and racism, citing findings from the International Centre for Equity in Cricket (ICEC).
Square One’s coaching philosophy challenges orthodox cricket methods by emphasizing nonverbal communication and developmental approaches while opposing the use of high-risk hard-ball cricket for children. The project prioritizes the growth of talent across different regions.
Looking ahead, Square One envisions a broader relationship with England cricket and embraces Bazball-style autonomy. Despite differences in approach, the venture notes interest from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and potential partnerships as the initiative evolves.
