On July 12, the Anglican Church Cricket Festival (ACCF) will mark a major milestone as it celebrates its 10th anniversary at Creditview Sandalwood Park in Brampton. What started as a friendly cricket match between two Anglican parishes has grown into a vibrant festival of faith, fellowship and sport, bringing together young and old, churched and unchurched, skilled cricketers and enthusiastic amateurs, all sharing in the joy of the game and the spirit of community.
This festival is not just about runs and wickets; it is about breaking barriers, building relationships and strengthening bonds among diverse congregations in the GTA. This year’s event promises to be extra special, with an official ceremony from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., where church leaders, local dignitaries and special guests will reflect on the festival’s growth.
The inaugural event in 2016 was a simple yet significant match between St. Thomas à Becket, Erin Mills South and St. Peter, Erindale. Inspired by the overwhelming enthusiasm, the festival expanded rapidly, welcoming new teams from Anglican parishes across the GTA.
Over the years, ACCF has garnered recognition from church and government leaders alike, with increasing participation and community engagement. The ninth edition in 2024 saw over 150 participants and nine teams, including St. James the Apostle, Brampton; St. Bede, Toronto; St. Joseph of Nazareth, Bramalea; St. Jude, Bramalea North; St. Thomas à Becket, Erin Mills South; Holy Family, Heart Lake, Brampton; Westney Heights Baptist Church; CSI Church, Toronto; and the “Clergy & Friends” cricket team led by the Rev. Canon Dr. Stephen Fields. Esteemed guests such as Bishop Andrew Asbil, Bishop Kevin Robertson, Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown and Charmaine Williams, Ontario’s associate minister of Women’s Social and Economic Opportunity (and a parishioner of St. Joseph of Nazareth), were also in attendance, highlighting the festival’s growing significance.
The ACCF’s 10th anniversary is a testament to the power of sport in building Christian fellowship. Whether you’re a seasoned cricketer, a first-time player or a spectator cheering from the sidelines, we invite you to be part of this special celebration. Gather your parish team, bring your family and friends and join us for a day filled with cricket, camaraderie and Christ-centered joy.
For more details or to get involved, contact Ranil Mendis, ODT, at [email protected].
