Following on from our announcement earlier in the week about the College’s new partnership with Sussex County Cricket, Ardingly is also delighted to announce another important new cricket collaboration – with the Jofra Archer Institute of Cricket in Barbados.
The England and Sussex cricketer, Jofra Archer, founded this thriving institute with his stepfather, Patrick Waithe, to provide a high-quality training facility in Barbados which would increase the cricket training and development opportunities for local youngsters. The institute has been running the training facility for over five years and it has made an important impact in the local community, as well as providing an effective talent-spotting pathway for young Barbadian cricketers.
Ben Figgis, the Head of Ardingly College, said:
“Ardingly has a proud history of both sporting success and international partnerships. We are therefore delighted to partner with the Jofra Archer Institute of Cricket and are looking forward to welcoming talented cricketers from Barbados to the College, as well as sending our cricketers out on tour the other way. We also look forward to hosting Jofra himself at Ardingly soon and, in the meantime, wish him and the England cricket team all the best of luck in the Cricket World Cup semi-finals this week!”
Patrick Waithe, CEO of the Jofra Archer Institute of Cricket commented:
“We are delighted to enter into this partnership with Ardingly College, one of the leading independent schools for cricket in the UK, with outstanding cricket facilities and coaching. We look forward to our future collaboration and to exchanging visits and best practice in the years to come.”
About the Jofra Archer Institute of Cricket
The Jofra Archer Institute of Cricket was established in St. Philip, Barbados, by England international cricketer Jofra Archer and Patrick Waithe to widen access to structured cricket development for young players on the island. Rooted in the parish where Jofra grew up, the Institute reflects a commitment to ensuring that young people in the area have access to coaching, guidance, and opportunity through the game. It is designed not only to identify and develop talent but to provide positive structure and mentoring within the local community. Operating from its training base in Barbados, the Institute’s aim is to provide technical coaching for beginners and under-13s, helping to build strong foundations and confidence. This facility forms the base of a broader vision to expand coaching provision and long-term development pathways across the region. The partnership with Ardingly College strengthens this mission by connecting grassroots cricket in Barbados with an international academic and sporting environment. Together, the focus is on widening opportunity and creating defined progression routes for young players both on and off the field.
