When the ECB County Grant Fund was launched in August, the Somerset Cricket Foundation were given the control to work with clubs and allocate funding on a local level, for projects that not only benefit the club applying for the grant, but that also have a positive impact on the delivery of cricket in Somerset.
The scheme allows for clubs to apply for funding for projects in one of three areas
- Creating Welcome Environments
- Providing Enhanced Facilities and Playing Opportunities for Women’s and Girl’s Cricket, and/or Disability Cricket
- Tackling Climate Change
Since it’s launch, we have had nineteen clubs complete their expression of interest, which has translated into nine applications. Both Long Sutton Cricket Club and Wells Cricket Club have already signed their contracts to receive a substantial contribution towards the costs of upgrading their current outdoor net facilities. The remain clubs had their funding agreed prior to Christmas and are waiting for their contracts to make the funding official.
- Long Sutton Cricket Club are planning on replacing their 25 years old practice facility to provide the club with a safer practice area which can be used as additional capacity for their growing women and girl’s section who are looking to progress their hardball opportunities.
- Wells Cricket Club is looking to develop their girl’s cricket by establishing an u13s team in 2022, alongside their existing u11s and women’s teams. They have identified the need for a new outdoor net facility to help continue to grow their girl’s and women’s offering.
We look forward to seeing the impact of this investment, not only on the clubs that are directly benefitting, but also on the wider cricket offering in Somerset.
The County Grant Fund is still open, and we anticipate it will be available in it’s current format throughout 2022 and 2023, this means that your club could apply for a grant in one project area this year, and in another project area in 12 months’ time, so a good opportunity available to your club to help make vital improvements to the practice facilities or social spaces.
If you wish to discuss a potential project with us, you can fill out the Expression of Interest form or you can contact one of our club development officers Matt, Nicky or Colette.
