Paultons Cricket Club - rebuild after arson attack

The Pitch

Problem statement

In January 2022, Paultons Cricket Club near Southampton was the victim of a cruel arson attack. This involved a stolen van being set alight next to the pavilion, which resulted in part being destroyed completely and the remainder deemed 'unsafe' by assessors. We were therefore forced to demolish the whole pavilion and left with the daunting task of a complete rebuild. Paultons Cricket Club proudly has over 200 members - both players and people who enjoy using it for social purposes as well. We offer cricket for all - 3 mens teams (aiming for a 4th team by 2024), a womens softball team, and 6 colts teams (over 70 junior players from ages 7 to 15).

Solution

Paultons Cricket Club was insured, however due to the cost of building materials, this will not fully cover the cost of a rebuild. We just about have enough funds to build a watertight shell, however we need to raise additional funds to fit out the rest of the pavilion. The funds would be used to fit out and complete the 2 changing rooms within the pavilion. This would be include the installation of showers, electrics, etc so they can operate as changing rooms for all the players. It is an ECB requirement that we must have changing rooms, and therefore these are our first priority. Since the fire, we have been using temporary facilities but this is not sustainable in the long term.

Why are we best placed to deliver?

Paultons Cricket Club is a not for profit club which has a long history, and it has grown over the years to the successful community club which it is today. It's colts section has evolved in the last 5 years, from having no juniors at all to the 70+ players which we have today. This has been through the hard work of all the members. We offer cricket opportunities for all children, boys and girls, of any ability. Paultons sits in the heart of the community, and we need a cricket pavilion to continue to grow and be a safe and welcoming place for all to play cricket and to socialise.

Focus Areas

Delivery plan

Budget breakdown

Beneficiaries

200 people

Who will benefit

Expected impact

We are in the position which we are in due to absolutely no fault of our own, and we are reaching out for anyone to help us rebuild. We pride ourselves on being an inclusive club, and we want to offer cricket to men, women and children of all ages from around the local community. We have seen first hand the impact which COVID-19 had on children, however we have found having cricket as an outlet has helped a lot of our members through this difficult period. We had one case of a 16 year old girl who suffered serious mental health issues through lock down. She missed 90% of school, and became withdrawn and physically inactive. She would not leave her bedroom or house. However she started scoring for the mens 1st team at the start of 2022 season and in 2023 she joined the ladies softball team as well. We have seen her confidence regained, and she has become more outgoing - she has said she actually likes socialising again. This is the impact clubs like ours can have on people.