Relaunching of Haringey Cricket College

The College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London (CONEL), established in 1828, is a prominent further education college in North London, serving the communities of Haringey and Enfield. Officially formed on 1 August 2009, the college offers a diverse range of academic and vocational courses to students aged 16-18 and adult learners. With two outstanding campuses in Tottenham and Enfield, CONEL aims to provide its students with the skills needed for a successful future.

Haringey Cricket College, a renowned pathway for black cricketers is set to reopen after being closed for 26 years due to lack of funding. The college could relaunch next year, with discussions involving the ECB, Middlesex, and potential funding from sources like Haringey Council. The program aims to benefit all children, particularly the African-Caribbean population and would be open to boys and girls. The reopening is part of a broader redevelopment by the Selby Trust, with potential support from MP David Lammy and charity ACE. The college, led by former West Indies Test cricketer Reg Scarlett, previously produced numerous professional cricketers and is expected to follow a similar model with an emphasis on both cricket and education for students.

Funding for the project could be sourced from various organisations such as the ECB, Middlesex, and potentially Haringey Council. The college would welcome children from all backgrounds, with a focus on benefiting the African-Caribbean community in the area. The program would be inclusive for both boys and girls. The reopening of the college is part of a larger redevelopment effort by the Selby Trust, which oversees community facilities in the region. Andrew Cornish, CEO of Middlesex, expressed optimism about the project, stating that they have the support of key stakeholders and are actively working towards making it a reality. He believes it would be a positive development for the county and is confident in the project's success moving forward.

 The individuals involved have already met with David Lammy, the MP for Tottenham, who is reportedly supportive of efforts to reopen and expand access to cricket in the area. ACE, a charity focused on creating more opportunities for African-Caribbean cricketers, is actively working in north London and could potentially be a delivery partner if funding is secured. The goal is to establish full cricket facilities at Selby Centre within approximately two years, including an indoor cricket school and the re-establishment of existing cricket facilities. The specifics regarding funding requirements and student intake at the college are still being determined, but it is expected to follow a similar model to its previous incarnation. Under the guidance of coach Reg Scarlett, a former West Indies Test cricketer, Haringey has a strong history of producing professional cricketers. Notable alumni include Keith Piper, who achieved success with Warwickshire, and Mark Alleyne, who represented England in one-day international cricket. Haringey has produced a total of 25 first-class cricketers over its 14-year existence and was praised as "the most successful Sports Academy in the world" by the UK Sports Council.

The college shut down due to a lack of £30,000 annual funding, with no financial support from the ECB. The number of black professional England-qualified cricketers in England has decreased by 75% since 1997, impacting the national level as well. ACE, established in 2020, aims to enhance access for young black individuals to the sport, focusing on inclusivity rather than solely on a pathway to professionalism. Haringey is seen as the bridge between talented young players enjoying cricket and pursuing a career in the field. Dr Michael Collins, the co-author of the report on discrimination in cricket, sees the potential for cricket to revive Haringey Cricket College, which closed in 1997.