THE HISTORY OF THE CRICKET SOCIETY TRUST

For over half a century the Cricket Society has had a charitable arm. In the early days it concerned itself with providing cricket equipment (old and new) to organisations across the world where the game was in its infancy in that particular location. 

In 1991, it was decided to formulate a Charitable Trust, which was independent from the Cricket Society but retaining strong links with its members. In December 1992 formal Charity Status was approved by The Charity Commission. New objectives were agreed with the emphasis on providing financial support, training and education to groups of youngsters with special needs be they physical shortcomings or learning difficulties.

Since its inception the Trust has provided the infrastructure whereby hundreds of children across the country have been able to appreciate better the value of playing or understanding cricket at levels appropriate to their capability. Specifically, for the last 10 years the Trust has arranged for parties of children from inner-city boroughs in London to spend a day or two at Arundel Park Sussex under the tutorage of John Barclay and his team. This has shown to be a very significant factor in the development of these children’s development.  

Aside from its work with Children with Special Needs, the Trust has helped British Blind Sport, Cricket Federation for People with Disabilities as well as able bodied groups for young people.An example being the provision of a mobile sightscreen for Sussex Young Cricketers.