For as long as cricket has been played, one of the most important factors responsible for the quality of play and quality of player experience is the surface on which the game is played.
There are four County Groundstaff Associations (CGA’s) in Wales providing support for clubs and their Grounds Managers
Contact Details
The ECB’s Essential Guide to Groundsmanship provides practical guidance for cricket club volunteers on preparing and maintaining your ground Click here for ECB’s Essential Guide.
A network of County Pitch Advisors (CPA’s) provides advice and support throughout Wales via the ECB Pitch Advisory Service. The role of CPA’s is:
- To advise on the quality performance of specific pitches and make recommendations.
- To monitor the developments of any facilities on which recommendations are being implemented.
- Be available, if required, to assess pitches / squares in respect of various league criteria.
- Create a response team for basic assessments (perhaps annual).
- Help build an effective CGA.
The ECB's Head of Facility Services, Dr Iain James and Cricket Wales are in active discussions (Autumn/Winter 2021) in respect of additional refreshed investment and training and support for CPAs and the network, tailored to our unique needs as a country.
Upcoming Workshops and Training
We’re delighted to announce a series of upcoming sessions for Grounds Keepers across Wales, focusing on In-Season Pitch Maintenance a key part of keeping your cricket pitch in top condition throughout the playing season.
Led by Iestyn John from the Grounds Management Association, each session will offer expert advice, practical demonstrations (weather permitting), and informal discussions, along with plenty of time for Q&A.
Whether you’re an experienced Grounds Keeper or just starting out, this workshop is open to anyone with an interest in cricket ground care.
Session Details:
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Five sessions will be held at clubs across Wales
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Each event will run from 6:30 PM to approximately 8:30 PM
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An evening meal will be provided for all attendees
These sessions are a great opportunity to boost your knowledge, pick up practical tips, and connect with others who are passionate about delivering and maintaining quality playing surfaces across Wales.
Useful Documents
For Recommended Guidelines for the construction, preparation and maintenance of cricket pitches and outfields at all levels of the game click here
For a list of recommended minimum grounds maintenance equipment click here
Contact Details
Here's a useful pre-season short film with advice from Glamorgan Cricket's head grounds manager Robin Saxton