Surrey Partner with White Ensign Association to Support Armed Forces Community

Surrey County Cricket Club have today announced a new partnership with the White Ensign Association (WEA).

The partnership continues the Club’s long-standing relationship working with the Armed Forces community on matchday safety and security operations at the Kia Oval. The WEA is a charity that works with serving and former members of the Armed Forces, offering them guidance and support with all aspects of transition to civilian life including employment, pensions, compensation, and financial wellbeing.

Surrey will work closely with the WEA to provide opportunities for serving personnel, veterans, and their families to engage with the club through employment initiatives.

As part of this initiative, Surrey CCC will be re-signing the Armed Forces Covenant on Thursday 10^th April, reaffirming its dedication to ensuring that those who serve or have served, along with their families, are treated fairly and have access to opportunities within the club's operations.

Surrey County Cricket Club has a proud history of supporting the military, working closely with the Tri-Services to integrate serving personnel into the matchday deployments, liaising with Tickets for Troops to provide access to various fixtures in the calendar.

The club continues to host military bands at major international fixtures, enhancing the matchday experience, while the iconic bell from HMS Illustrious takes centre stage at the start of each international day of cricket. In 2018, Surrey organised a work trip to Ypres, honouring military history, and has also supported the National Army Museum in previous years, reinforcing its commitment to recognising and celebrating the Armed Forces.

Steve Elworthy, Chief Executive of Surrey CCC: “Surrey and the Kia Oval have a long and proud connection with the Armed Forces and the partnership with the White Ensign Association is the latest chapter in this. We are looking forward to working with serving and former members of the Armed Forces to ensure that the Kia Oval is the safest venue for fans to come and enjoy watching cricket.”

Commodore Stuart Wright, Chief Executive of the White Ensign Association: "We are absolutely thrilled to be partnering with Surrey County Cricket in supporting their revitalised Armed Forces Engagement programme. This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to honouring and providing opportunities for the Armed Forces community, and we're excited to contribute to its continued success.”