Frankie joined the Junior Cricket Academy programme at Brighton Aldridge Community Academy (BACA) in year 9 and through his passion and dedication to the game, has become an incredibly talented player. Frankie’s achievements haven’t gone unnoticed – a number of local private schools offered him scholarships and/or bursaries to attend their sixth forms but Frankie decided to continue his journey at BACA, where he’ll be studying Sport and Sports Science for the next two years. In this interview, we find out about Frankie’s journey so far, his aspirations for the future and how the Next Steps Bursary will make a difference.

What is your biggest passion?

Cricket! I have put so much time and effort into the game. I train outside of school five times a week and during the season I have matches every weekend. I have fitted this around my academic studies and am pleased to have been awarded a distinction in BTEC Sport.

How will the Next steps Bursary help make a difference to you?

Cricket is a very expensive sport and when playing at high level, it is essential to have good quality equipment. This unfortunately costs a lot of money. My parents work full time but struggle to afford all the extras that I need. Up until now, I’ve not been old enough to get a part time job but even when I turn 16 it will be difficult to do so, as I spend most evenings training with Sussex County Cricket Club. I am part of their Academy set up and have played in their second XI team and as part of the Under 18s. This means a lot of travel and often staying overnight in hotels, as some of the matches are three days long and can be anywhere in the country.

The bursary will help me to afford the equipment I need and take the pressure off my parents having to work weekends so that when the season starts, they can be there, supporting me and feeling proud watching me.

What are your future aspirations?

When I grow up I would like to represent my country and play for England in a test match. Following a successful career as a cricketer, I would like to go into a coaching role and might evening end up coaching at BACA!

My journey to achieve this goal, is to complete sixth form at BACA and then go on to study Sports at Portsmouth University, which I will be able to complete around a career as a professional cricketer.

How will you inspire the next generation?

I want to be an ambassador for the BACA Junior Cricket Academy and showcase the amazing program that they have by publicising it during my time representing my county.