by Daniel Brown
In July 2023, the Barmy Army officially partnered with the ACE Programme – a charity designed to engage young people of African and Caribbean Heritage.
The primary aim of the partnership was to raise funds in order to send an ACE student to The R66T Academy High Performance Program in Adelaide, Australia. The R66T Academy is a key partner of the Barmy Army, and England hero Joe Root attributes much of his career development to the intensive program Down Under that he experienced at the age of 19.
The initiative – consistent with one of ACE’s core values ‘to improve talent pathways for diverse cricketers’ – led to the Barmy Army raising the £14,000 required to allow an ACE student to take part in the program. This was achieved through auctions, raffles, product sales and loads more!
With a host of high-quality players representing ACE, it certainly was not an easy decision to decide which young cricketer travelled out to Australia to take part in the programme. Ultimately, it was Troy Henry – a 19-year-old all-rounder – who was selected to represent ACE on the R66T Academy’s High Performance Program.
Chevy Green, Director of Programmes at The Ace Programme, said: “Everyone at ACE is greatly appreciative of the support provided by the Barmy Army, from the team behind the scenes, but most importantly to all the fans that have contributed by entering auctions, raffles and buying bucket hats!
“The experience Troy has been provided with this winter is a once in a lifetime opportunity, to not only develop his cricket skills, but as a young adult off the pitch, too!
“We are excited to see his growth as a player and man this season. The environment provided by Shaun Seigart and Sattick Roy on The R66T Academy High Performance Program is world class, and we hope to send more players from ACE in the future, solidifying our relationship even more.”
Chris Millard, Managing Director of the Barmy Army, added: “One of our primary aims of the partnership was to raise enough donations for an ACE student to attend The R66T Academy High Performance Programme in Adelaide. It was truly remarkable to see our members, partners and followers come together to raise the money required and allow Troy to experience the proven programme in Australia.
“Seeing the positive impact it has had on his game has been amazing, and having spoken to High Performance Director Shaun Seigert, Troy has also represented himself, and ACE, in a fantastic manner throughout his time Down Under.
“At the Barmy Army, we are dedicated and committed to improving inclusivity in cricket. Our sport is a game for everyone, and we understand the importance of breaking down barriers for people to access cricket.”
Since arriving in Adelaide back in October, Troy has improved his game tremendously – and quickly asserted himself as one of the leaders in the group. Working under High Performance Director Shaun Seigert has allowed the player to elevate his game to a new level. He has worked hard to improve his batting and bowling skills, playing for Pooraka in the A1 Adelaide Turf Competition. The Australian club reached an important final, meaning Troy extended his stay in Adelaide in order to be available for selection!
During his time on the High Performance Program, Troy has batted in the middle order for his club side, having made a couple of 70s, while his best bowling spell saw him register 3/50.
Shaun Seigert, High Performance Director, said: “Troy has been a hard worker and leader in our group, and has been a positive influence on other players throughout the program. He has shown his leadership qualities by captaining The R66T Academy in the games we have played, which is not an easy job. Giving players opportunities within the game, while also looking to win, can often be difficult.
“His calm and composed nature has been a plus for the whole group, and he has developed physically, which is not an area that comes easily for him. Yet, he has stuck at it and improved. Hopefully he goes home and continues to build on what he has achieved out here this summer.”
Meanwhile, Troy stated: “My time in Adelaide has been amazing. The High Performance Program has not only developed my cricketing skills, but also helped me grow as a person in terms of life skills. For example, making new friends, living with new people and taking care of yourself independently!
“Without the support of the Barmy Army, I could not have afforded to attend the program. I am grateful for the opportunity to gain an experience like this, but without the Barmy Army’s help, I couldn’t have done this!
“The High Performance Program opportunity that I am experiencing now is far better than my imagination. The benefits of being on this program has enhanced my skills as a cricketer but most importantly it has improved my mental skills, which I am really looking forward to applying in my game going forward.
“I didn’t realise how important it is until I thought about how to think the game through and how to apply the mental skills that made me improve my game as a team player and an individual!”
Everyone at the Barmy Army is extremely grateful to our members, sponsors and followers for supporting us with this initiative!
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