Getting the game on

The Pitch

Problem statement

The club has become incredibly successful over the past 5 years with increase demand for junior and senior teasm. With this in mind, we are also please to say that we maintain and offer one of the best playing surfaces in the region. However, of course this comes at a price and need for constant investment. A result of our success is that the ground now in constant use during the cricket season, April to September and so we need to make sure that our maintenance and care of it is the highest quality to ensure that matches are not cancelled. Sadly, that is often the result of a match being called off due to the shortness of the season.

Solution

We are looking to improve two aspects of our ground maintenance We currently use a system of three mobile covers to cover the next wicket to be used next. These are10 years old and although the metal frames are in good working order, the canvas covers need replacing. The cost is £567 each (including VAT). Total cost £1701. We need to also upgrade our ability to water the ground. Currently water pressure is too low to provide a sprinkler system for the ground. So we are looking to purchase a water pump and storage drums for increased sustainability to allow us to water the wicket and ground when needed in the season. Cost of pump, containers and hoses is £900.

Why are we best placed to deliver?

Golborne Cricket Club has ECB Clubmark which is a seal of approval from the sports governing body that we are sustainable, well run and provide the right environment for all players. Within this we are always working to a five year plan that ensures that any funding bids are focused on the key development needs of the club. This application fits in with this plan. Should you approve this grant, it will greatly assist us in maintaining an excellent ground for both this and forthcoming seasons and will allow us to continue to grow as a community assistant for the Golborne and Lowton areas. Thank you for considering this application.

Focus Areas

Delivery plan

Budget breakdown

Beneficiaries

500 people

Expected impact

A successful outcome of this project would impact on all those players, both club members and opposition using the ground. Over the past 5 years we have been incredibly successful in attracting new players of all ages. We are heavily invested in the ECB Allstars programme that provides basic cricketing activities, and a lot of fun, to children between the age of 5 and 7. Last season we had 30 child sign up to this programme. Many have then signed up to our under 9 squad, resulting in us having to have two teams to accommodate all players. We have also seen a great increase in demand from senior players who have moved to the area. This has resulted in us having a 3rd XI who play on a Sunday and plans for a 4th XI in the making. Our ground is also offered to local schools for cricket and Rounders tournaments and is often used by some of our BAME communities in the week. Improving out ground maintenance allows us to offer cricket to all of these groups.

Track record

Golborne Cricket Club have a great track record in delivering projects. We have used partners to fund projects to improve many aspects of the club. One such project focused on training facilities by the club building a three lane outdoor practice facility. This project supported by the ECB and required the club to provide annual returns to them on ground usage as a result of the project. This showed year on year increase and was the start of the clubs ongoing development.

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