Since 2020 The Slam has been delivering on its mission to provide “more cricket for more people” in Sussex through its unique short format offering. The growth in the county has been so significant that it now sees nearly 3,000 players participating across the 150 teams competing in 5 different competitions (3 men’s & 2 women’s).

As well as providing a feasible playing option for those who can’t fit in the traditional, more time-consuming, weekend matches, The Slam has proven to be a fitting stepping stone for junior cricketers into the senior game. Indeed, we have witnessed some very talented, young individuals making a mark in this exciting format who it is hoped have ambitions to explore where their potential might take them.
Cricket can be an expensive game to be involved in and even more so if you have the talent to be invited onto a County Development Pathway, which unfortunately prevents some young players from even considering applying for it.

The Slam is delighted to announce an agreement with John Lewis & Partners in Sussex that will help two young players in this endeavour over the next two years.

Through The Sussex Slam Scholarship in association with John Lewis & Partners, one boy and one girl will be chosen to have their place on the Sussex County Pathway for at least two years, along with the equipment and clothing they need to do so, sponsored in full, meaning that cost need not be a barrier to advancing their cricketing journey.

John Lewis & Partners are committed to working in partnership for a happier world by leading with kindness and delivering with integrity, they recognise the synergies of that ethos within the game of cricket, and we are delighted to have their support in launching this exciting opportunity.
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Clubs that participate in The Slam can nominate young players who they believe have ability deserving of this wonderful opportunity but have hitherto been reluctant to try-out for their County because of concerns around affordability.

Note that nomination for the Sussex County Pathway itself is to be managed by the club/school and the player in question, The Slam will not manage this and only those who have been selected through this process will be eligible to receive the scholarship.

The deadline for Slam Scholarship applications is 9TH NOVEMBER 2025 for both the Boys' and Girls' Pathway.

It is vital that any nominated player's parent/guardian is fully aware of the detail below prior to any nomination being submitted and please note that priority will be given to those permanently residing in the RH10, RH11, RH12 RH13 or RH14 postcode areas as this makes up the John Lewis area that has provided the funding.

Any player must:

be attending a state-funded school;

• be born between 1st September 2009 and 31st August 2017;
• have been offered a place on the Sussex County Pathway (inc. Development Squads) for the 2025/26 year;
• be playing for a club that is participated in a Slam competition in 2025;
• be prepared to undertake limited promotional activity, which includes, but not limited to, photographs posted on The Slam's social media outlets. Note that photos are likely to need to be taken at the John Lewis Horsham branch.

What is included:

• The cost for that player to be on the Sussex County Pathway for 2 full years;
• The cost of any match/training kit mandated by the Sussex County Pathway, and any replacements due to player growth;
• The provision of any required player-specific equipment, to an appropriate standard. Including bat, helmet, leg guards, gloves and thigh guard.

What is not included:

• The cost of travel to, or subsistence at any trials, matches or training sessions;
• The cost of replacing any equipment or clothing due to damage / mistreatment within the control of the player.

Apply here:

Note that The Slam's decision on who is awarded the scholarship is final. Any award is subject to a player being offered a place on the Sussex County Pathway following their assessment process, which is free to enter.