Square One Cricket Centre Near Brighton Aims to Revolutionize English Cricket with Inclusivity and Innovation
Square One cricket centre in Falmer, near Brighton, has opened its doors as the world’s second-biggest cricket hall. Just three weeks old at the time of report, this facility is housed in a repurposed tennis hangar and signifies a new approach to cricket practice and development.
Founded by coach Rob Ferley, Brighton University lecturer James Wallis, and investor Rod Aldridge, the centre is designed to be highly inclusive and scalable. Situated next to Brighton Aldridge Community Academy, the project actively seeks to integrate cricket with local schools, aiming to expand access beyond traditional club environments.
A key innovative feature is the replacement of traditional cricket jargon with a nonverbal, color-coded language using rainbow-style mats and color-targets. This design cuts down barriers to entry by simplifying tactical communication.
Technology plays a central role: microchipped balls capture speed and trajectory data, which are displayed on a bowler-end screen, offering players a tactical and data-informed practice experience.
The initiative plans to establish around 150 similar centres nationwide. These models may be linked to state schools or existing facilities, and potential partnerships with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) are envisaged.
Square One challenges conventional coaching methods and elite development pathways, questioning the appropriateness of hard-ball practices for children and advocating for broader, long-term development opportunities.
Positioned within broader debates on cricket’s perceived elitism and inequities, Square One contrasts its inclusive ethos with current discussions around Bazball and England's approach to player autonomy and talent development.
