Exciting New Partnership Announcement
Essex Cricket is thrilled to launch a two-year collaboration with the Advanced Cricket Academy (ACA Harlow). As part of this partnership, the stand at the Ambassador Cruise Line Ground will now be known as the ACA Harlow Stand.
ACA Harlow Stand and Branding
Positioned at the Graham Gooch End, the ACA Harlow Stand will showcase prominent branding for the academy on its top tier. Fans can also expect pitch-side advertising boards to feature throughout the 2027 and 2028 cricket seasons.
About ACA Harlow
The Advanced Cricket Academy, which opened its doors in 2025, serves as a premier high-performance indoor cricket facility located in Harlow, Essex. It offers cutting-edge training amenities designed for cricketers of all skill levels, aiming to nurture the next wave of talent in Essex and its neighboring regions.
Boasting six lanes with high-spec, professional-level batting surfaces, ACA Harlow is equipped with three lanes featuring advanced Trueman Bola bowling machines, while the other three serve multipurpose needs, accommodating group training sessions and indoor competitions. The academy also integrates Fulltrack AI software to enhance performance analysis and provides both individual and group coaching led by ACA coaches trained to ECB Level 4 standards. Additionally, visitors can find a fully stocked cricket store on-site.
Support and Development Initiatives
ACA Harlow currently functions as a training base for squads within the Essex County Age Group Pathway. Having joined as an advertising partner in 2026, ACA Harlow's branding is also visible at prime locations such as the Doug Insole Pavilion and the Felsted School Stand at the Ambassador Cruise Line Ground.
Lorraine Fletcher, the Head of Business Operations at Essex Cricket, expressed her appreciation for the partnership, stating, “We extend our gratitude to John and the team at ACA Harlow for their dedication to supporting Essex Cricket this upcoming season. Having an outstanding local facility like ACA Harlow backing us as a sponsor enriches opportunities for aspiring players throughout the county, fostering their development.”
Engagement Opportunities for Supporters
The partnership transcends mere naming rights and will encompass several initiatives aimed at fostering player development and engaging the broader cricket community. One notable venture will see ACA Harlow host various masterclasses featuring players from both the Essex Men's and Essex Women's teams.
Additionally, ACA Harlow will participate in Essex Cricket's annual Mini Match Play event at the Ambassador Cruise Line Ground. Fans of ACA can look forward to ticket promotions that enable them to attend Essex domestic matches during the upcoming seasons, along with participation in Essex Cricket hospitality events. As part of the collaboration, ACA Harlow's branding will also be featured on domestic match live streams and the ground's scoreboard in Chelmsford.
Vision for the Future
John O'Sullivan, owner of ACA Harlow, conveyed his excitement about the partnership: “We are deeply committed to fostering the next generation of cricketers in Essex. Our state-of-the-art facilities at ACA Harlow are designed to provide an optimal environment for players to enhance their skills.” He added that this collaboration with Essex Cricket is crucial for bringing professional mentorship into their academy through masterclasses with top county players.
“We take immense pride in being one of Essex Cricket's sponsors in 2027 and 2028, and we look forward to collaborating more closely with the county team to create opportunities for players to advance through our pathways and elevate their performance in the sport.”