£5m GRASS PITCH IMPROVEMENT FUND

The ECB has launched the Grass Pitch Improvement Fund, which they say will help cricket to tackle inequalities around access to safe, good quality grass cricket pitches across England and Wales.

In particular, say the ECB, the fund will support the improvement of unsafe or inadequate pitches which need investment to support Women's and Girls' cricket, cricket in diverse communities, disability cricket and cricket in lower socio-economic areas.

Due to the backing of Sport England with National Lottery funding, £5m will go to grassroots facilities over three years, with the first £1m being available in 2024. The ECB says this will enable around 250 clubs and cricket organisations to upgrade their facilities and encourage more people to take up the sport.

In a statement on their website, the ECB said, "With the ECB’s ambition for cricket to become the most inclusive team sport in the UK, the launch of the Grass Pitch Improvement Fund aligns with the ECB’s strategy for investment in schools, which is targeted towards those areas most in need of support, to bring their facilities up to a higher standard.

"The ECB, in partnership with County Cricket Boards, will identify areas of need, whilst clubs and cricket organisations can also submit expressions of interest to receive funding. Successful applicants will then receive a grant from the ECB, enabling their projects to upgrade squares and outfields, and give clubs the tools they need to manage their ground in future."

Bruce Cruse, director of Dacilities & Infrastructure at the ECB, said, “We are delighted to announce the launch of the Grass Pitch Improvement Fund which is another step on our journey to become the most inclusive team sport in the UK. This fund is designed for those pitches in need of real help, to invest in them and improve them, making them safe and enjoyable for a game of cricket.

“It will mean clubs and cricket organisations most in need of support will have another opportunity to access funding and, with these new facilities, we are confident that they can attract more people from the local area to play more often.”

Phil Smith, executive director of partnerships at Sport England, said, “The ECB’s aim to get different kinds of people - including women and girls, disabled people, and people from diverse communities - playing cricket reflects the heart of Uniting the Movement, Sport England’s 10-year strategy. Our ambition is for everyone to have the opportunity to get active and play the sport they choose, regardless of who they are or where they live. Improving local cricket facilities and pitches will give more people the chance to get involved and enjoy the incredible benefits of sport within their communities.”

More details of the fund can be found at www.ecb.co.uk/play/club-support/club-funding