As the recreational game returns to play, the two ECB emergency funding schemes that are available to cricket clubs and leagues have undergone some changes to specifically help clubs re-open and get games of cricket on under new COVID-19 guidelines.

With many government funding sources concluding, ECB is extending the ‘Return to Cricket Grant Scheme’ until December 2020.

The differential funding level between clubs with junior sections and adult only clubs and the recommended £15,000 turnover limit have been removed.

In addition, the ‘Emergency Loan Scheme’ has increased the amounts that can be loaned and extended the scheme indefinitely. The scheme may be particularly useful if clubs require support over the coming winter and provides longer term sustainable support.

Emergency Loan Scheme

The scheme aims to support affiliated Cricket Clubs during the COVID-19 crisis by providing funding to help cover any shortfall in the preparation, essential day-to-day running and maintenance costs of facilities following the resumption of recreational cricket.

Who can apply?

Clubs affiliated to their County Cricket Board in 2019 or 2020.

What will the scheme fund?

Whilst this is not an exhaustive list, ECB will consider applications for costs for a period of up to 12 months.  The Club should calculate its estimated shortfall in the following expenditure areas:

3.1       Facilities Preparation Costs:

  • Adapting to comply with COVID-19 guidelines
  • Pitch Renovation

3.2       Essential Fixed and/or Contracted Costs:

  • Utility or Service Costs
  • Rental charges
  • Staff costs (employees not players)
  • Cleaning or maintenance commitments
  • IT licences
  • Security
  • Insurance
  • Equipment orders that can’t be deferred or recovered
  • TV / Broadband Subscriptions (where it is not suspended)
  • Affiliations
  • Any other reasonable fixed and / or contracted costs

How much loan can I apply for?

Club with a Junior Section1 (including All Stars Cricket / Dynamos Cricket) between £1,000 and £50,000.

Club with an adult section only between £1,000 and £20,000.

1A Cricket Club with a Junior Section is defined as a Club that offers appropriate coaching and competition to cricketers under 18 years of age. 

How do I apply?

Before applying, it is highly recommended clubs read the Emergency Loan Scheme guidance notes.

Clubs apply by clicking here.

Where do I go for help?

If cricket clubs have any questions about the Emergency Loan Scheme please read the frequently asked questions or contact the facilities help desk by emailing loans@ecb.co.uk.

Return to Cricket Grant Scheme

The scheme aims to support affiliated Cricket Clubs and Leagues within England and Wales, during the COVID-19 crisis, by providing emergency grant funding to help cover any shortfall in the preparation, essential day-to-day running and maintenance costs of facilities following the resumption of recreational cricket.

Who can apply?

  • Cricket Clubs and Leagues (Open-Age or Junior) affiliated to the ECB* via their County Cricket Board in 2019 or 2020

*Includes Clubs and Leagues which affiliated to ECB nationally, via the African Caribbean Cricket Association (ACCA) or National Asian Cricket Council (NACC), in 2019 or 2020.

What will the scheme fund?

Clubs and Leagues can apply for:

Facilities Preparation Costs

  • Adapting to comply with COVID-19 guidelines
  • Pitch Renovation

Essential Fixed and / or Contracted Costs

  • Utility or Service Costs
  • Rental charges
  • Staff costs (employees – not coaches or players)
  • Cleaning or maintenance commitments
  • IT Licences
  • Security
  • Insurance
  • Equipment orders that can’t be deferred or recovered
  • TV / Broadband Subscriptions (where it is not suspended)
  • Affiliations
  • Any other reasonable fixed and / or contracted costs

How much grant can I apply for?

Each application will be based on an assessment of need up to £3,000.

How do I apply?

Before considering an application, it is highly recommended that clubs and leagues read the Return to Cricket Grant Scheme guidance notes to determine if they are eligible to apply.

Please contact Matt Counsell on matthew.counsell@somersetcricketboard.org for an application form

Where do I go for help?

If cricket clubs or leagues have any questions about the Return to Cricket Grant Scheme please read the frequently asked questions or contact the ECB facilities help desk by emailing grantmanagement@ecb.co.uk.

League Emergency Loan Scheme

The ECB League Emergency Loan Scheme aims to support affiliated cricket leagues (open-age and junior leagues) during the COVID-19 crisis through the provision of interest-free loans.

Who can apply?

Open-age and junior leagues affiliated direct to ECB, or a partnership agreement via their County Cricket Board (CCB) or the National Asian Cricket Council (NACC), National Cricket Conference (NCC) or Afro-Caribbean Cricket Association (ACCA) in 2019 or 2020.

What will the scheme fund?

The cost of cricket balls, plus, unrecoverable costs above £2,000 in the 2020 season which may include:

  • The cost of block booking/hire of grounds​
  • The cost associated with the production of league handbooks​
  • The cost of purchase of kit and/or equipment ​
  • The cost of staging events

How much loan can a league apply for?

Up to £50,000

If a league requires a loan exceeding this limit, please contact the ECB facilities help desk by emailing loans@ecb.co.uk.

How do I apply?

Leagues should apply by clicking here.

Before applying, it is highly recommended leagues read the League Emergency Loan Scheme guidance notes.

Where do I go for help?

If leagues have any questions about the League Emergency Loan Scheme please read the frequently asked questions or contact the ECB facilities help desk by emailing loans@ecb.co.uk.