Millbay Academy have been named as the Devon Cricket Foundation Secondary School of the Year for 2023/24.

The Plymouth school have been recognised for their exceptional efforts in promoting cricket to all students, growing participation despite limited resources, and fostering a positive, inclusive cricket culture through dedicated staff and support from the Devon Cricket Foundation.

"Cricket is not just for girls or boys. It’s for everyone. Everyone helping each other to improve," comments Alizee who had never even played cricket until a year ago.

"What struck me as I entered the hall at Millbay was the positive and enthusiastic attitude to cricket from all the children and staff alike," said Ann-Marie Presswell.

Following the arrival of a new member of staff Aiden Taylor last year, cricket was on the curriculum and Millbay Academy took part in the Proof-of-Concept Secondary School Delivery for Girls.

Devon Cricket Foundation's West Devon Community Cricket Coach, Jack Ormsby, went into the school and delivered sessions to girls, none of whom had ever played cricket before. With the enthusiasm and knowledge of Aiden in the PE department and support from the Devon Cricket Foundation, cricket was rolled out throughout the school.

Millbay Academy entered and took part in all the Devon Cricket Foundation competitions during the winter and summer, as well as finding friendlies to play with other schools.

"Aiden and Brandon (PE staff) motivate us to play. Sometimes it is hard, and we don’t want to bowl, but they want us to bowl and motivate us to play," comments Hur, who took part in the girls' programme and competition. "In the tournaments we only won one game, but it was great fun. We feel we are more improved thanks to Aiden and Brandon and want to do better this year."

Speaking on the work Millbay Academy have done to deliver cricket, Jack Ormsby says:

"We hear some schools mention that cricket is difficult to deliver in lesson time, but Millbay have managed to deliver cricket during winter and summer, despite having no outdoor space at the school.

"They have worked hard to find spaces off-site in curriculum time to deliver and have built a relationship with Manadon, where they travel to use the facilities, which is amazing. They have worked so hard to build the sport of cricket."

Millbay Academy have not only embraced the culture of softball cricket in the school, but they have applied for grants to improve their resources and facilities. In February half term, they are set to have a two-lane net facility installed in the hall and, with the donation of hardball protective equipment from the David Shepherd Cricket Trust (DSCT), the focus this year is to build the uptake of hardball cricket by students.

Russ Martin, PE teacher, spoke passionately about the dedication of staff to build the sport in the school: "Cricket is an international sport. We have 42 languages spoken at Millbay Academy and believe that cricket can bring everyone together. 

"We want to show people that anyone can play and reach a good level; why can an inner-city school not achieve the same as an independent school? We have the passion to set it up and deliver. This year is all about building the number of children playing at a higher level."

The school has not only been instrumental in spreading the word of cricket among pupils but is also working with the Foundation to bring cricket to the wider community, as they plan to host Super1s and Street Cricket this year. "As well as improve cricket, we would also like to see the students feeding into cricket clubs in the city," says Russ.

Speaking to Alizee, Josn, Hur and Onamujeyimi, who all took part in the girls' programme, Ann-Marie asked what they had enjoyed most about cricket and playing:

"Well…we got out of lessons! But it has been brilliant to do the physical activity."

"We have been to some nice places and played and the people have been nice. We have improved ourselves and had fun."

"I thought cricket was an old man’s sport…but it’s not!"

The Devon Cricket Foundation saw that the drive and passion of the staff to build cricket and provide cricket opportunities to the students at the school was second to none. Despite the challenging learning environment, Millbay Academy have grown participation and improved cricket across the school.

They are deserving winners of the title of Secondary School of the Year and the smiles and celebrations of the staff and children show they are rightly proud to hold this title.

Aiden Taylor, the driving force behind the change in the school, comments:

 "Cricket is a passion of mine and I want to be able to share how enjoyable cricket can be trough participating in competitions and the setting up of our Millbay Cricket team. Our goal is for a hardball team competing at the highest level in Plymouth.

"Devon Cricket continues to play an instrumental role in providing expert CPD for PE staff and organising all of the school competitions.

"We hope to build on the participation numbers from this year and get our first ever hardball game!'

If you have been inspired by Millbay Academy's story, you can find more information on our delivery options on our Secondary Schools Offer page or by contacting your nearest Community Cricket Coach.