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Sir Rod is a visionary entrepreneur and philanthropist who believes in the transformative power of education and sport. Born on November 7, 1947, Sir Rod founded Capita, a leading business process outsourcing company, and later established the Aldridge Foundation, which sponsors academy schools and promotes entrepreneurial education. His journey began in local government, where he honed his skills and passion for public service. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to create Capita in 1984, which grew into a FTSE 100 company under his leadership. After retiring from Capita in 2006, Sir Rod dedicated himself to philanthropy, founding the Aldridge Foundation to empower young people through education. A passionate advocate for youth development, Sir Rod also served as Chair of Vinspired, a charity encouraging young people to volunteer in their communities, and as a Patron of the Prince’s Trust. His commitment to fostering talent and providing opportunities for all children to flourish is at the heart of his work. At Square One Education, we share Sir Rod's belief that every child deserves the opportunity to fulfill their capability in cricket. Inspired by his dedication to education and youth empowerment, we strive to create an environment where young cricketers can develop their skills, build confidence, and achieve their full potential.
Rob Ferley attended a state school (KES) in King's Lynn and grew up in Norfolk, a county not traditionally known for producing professional cricketers. Despite this, Rob's passion for the game led him to excel at junior levels and represent England through his junior years and at U19 level. He continued to play at a professional level for 12 years. As a professional cricketer, Rob played for Kent County Cricket Club and Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club, showcasing his skills as a slow left-arm orthodox spinner and combative batter. After retiring from professional play, Rob pursued a career in coaching, keen to explore all environments associated with development and high performance. Rob Ferley and Dr. James Wallis crossed paths through their shared passion for cricket and commitment to youth development. Rob, with his extensive experience as a professional cricketer and coach, found a kindred spirit in Dr. Wallis, whose expertise in junior youth coaching and values-based, holistic approach resonated deeply with him. Dr. Wallis, known for his pioneering work in creating environments where young athletes can thrive, introduced Rob to innovative coaching methodologies. His holistic approach integrates physical, mental, and emotional development, ensuring that young cricketers are well-rounded and resilient. Together, they recognized the importance of fostering a positive and nurturing environment to help young cricketers reach their full potential. Their collaboration led to the development of the SPARK System—an evidence-based visual reference tool designed to enhance cricketers' development. The SPARK System provides clear, actionable feedback, making it easier for players to understand and improve their skills. Alongside this, they created the SPARK Curriculum, which equips coaches with the knowledge and techniques to better train their athletes. This curriculum focuses on holistic development, integrating physical, mental, and emotional aspects of coaching to create well-rounded and resilient cricketers. Through their partnership, Rob and Dr. Wallis have not only advanced coaching practices but also ensured that every child, regardless of background, has the opportunity to flourish in cricket. Their work stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and the belief that with the right guidance, every young athlete can flourish in cricket.
Our Founders.
Sir Rod Aldridge and Rob Ferley share a deep passion for using cricket as a force for opportunity.
Driven by the belief that every young person should have access to the same quality of environment, coaching, and inspiration, they have come together to create spaces where anyone can discover their potential through the game.
Their partnership blends Sir Rod’s commitment to education and community transformation with Rob’s lifelong dedication to player development and inclusion — a shared mission to make cricket truly for all.
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