The African and Caribbean Engagement (ACE) programme continues to make a positive impact in Nottingham since its regional launch in January, aiming to engage with and inspire young people of African and Caribbean heritage to take up cricket.

This October, Trent Bridge celebrates Black History Month and the black heroes of our much-loved sport, as we spoke with Nottinghamshire ACE's Cricket Development Officer, Patrick Gada, on his work with local young people.

Originally introduced by Surrey County Cricket Club, ACE quickly developed into a national charity working in response to the decline in professional and amateur cricketers of Afro-Caribbean backgrounds in the UK. Nottinghamshire's ACE programme was subsequently launched at the beginning of this year.

At the time of ACE's birth in 2020, research had indicated a 75% decrease in black cricketers on the English professional circuit, with recreational participation also down.

"When we visit the various schools across Nottingham, we're aiming to to create more interest in the game, which is where it all starts," said Patrick, "All professional players, at one time, went to school and that is mostly where they picked up their love of and passion for cricket.

"My role is to increase that participation and interest, predominantly with those of African or Caribbean heritage, but it is also important that the ACE programme is available to all people of all races."

In the nine months since ACE's introduction to Nottingham, Patrick - through his work in local schools and young people in the community - has seen many positive signs that cricket can thrive as a game for everyone in the years to come.

"When I've gone into schools, there has been great interest. Not just from young people of African or Caribbean backgrounds, but I've been very impressed by the interest shown by young people of all races and backgrounds who are wanting to play the sport, including some for the very first time."

"Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club has been doing a great job of spreading the game of cricket across the county, particularly in some of the more deprived areas, such as in St Ann's where our ACE hub is based."

In recognition of Black History Month, ACE has partnered with the Community and Development team to provide local schools with a themed Trent Bridge Classroom experience, celebrating the many contributions made to Nottinghamshire cricket by black players and promoting the inclusive ambitions of the sport.

"They'll have the chance to learn about cricket and various people of African and Caribbean heritage who have come through the cricket club over the past decades, including Sir Garfield Sobers, Franklyn Stephenson and more," he said.

"It is important to educate the public on the achievements these people have brought for Nottingham and for cricket as a whole."

As well as on a local level, Patrick works alongside the ECB on a national panel to help advance equity in the game and act as a vital sounding board on key issues related to diversity and equity, including the strategies of the ACE programme.

On his involvement in the Race in Cricket Employee Network, he said: "My role is essentially to sit on the board and advise the ECB on some of the best ways they can make the game more inclusive and more diverse.

"The ACE programme has clearly been successful. It has moved outside of London where it first started and where it was a great success, and has moved onto other parts of the UK such as Bristol, Birmingham, Manchester, Sheffield and Nottingham where it has been successful too.

"It just shows that the game is open to everyone, whether people want to take part as players, coaches, umpires or even administrators. People can take part and feel welcome."

Find out more about the ACE programme.