16th April 2025
| Victoria Jones
Cricket Wales is excited to announce the ongoing benefits of the ECB's Grass Pitch Improvement Fund, which was launched last year to enhance the quality of grass pitches across the country. This strategic initiative prioritises clubs and organisations, including local authority-managed facilities, and aims to support women and girls' cricket, cricket in diverse communities, disability cricket, and low socio-economic groups.
The fund focuses on three key areas: improving the quality of squares and outfields rated as basic to at least good, creating sustainable management practices for these facilities, and installing hybrid pitches to increase overall capacity. By addressing these areas, the ECB seeks to ensure that cricket remains accessible and enjoyable for players of all backgrounds.
In collaboration with the Grounds Management Association, Cricket Wales has been diligent in identifying pitches that would benefit from investment. To date, 20 pitch reports have been completed, providing essential baseline assessments for clubs and local authorities. Six clubs have already received investment totalling £59,648, with four additional clubs and a local authority projects in the pipeline for future funding.
Mike Knight from Newport Cricket Club shared his gratitude for the pitch power report, stating, "It was really useful to identify specific issues that may have caused problems without taking remedial action. Cricket Wales's assistance in securing grant funding through the Grass Pitch Improvement Fund has been invaluable."
The improvements at Newport Cricket Club have already made a noticeable impact. "Our work has now been completed on the outfield just in time for the new season, and we can already see a difference in the quality of the grass from the deep aeration that was completed. The benefits of this work will become more apparent as we move through the season, positively impacting not only our own players but also visiting teams from across the UK."
Pontnewynydd Cricket Club is another success story, having received £17,736 to fraise mow and re-level their square, along with completing outfield renovations and decompaction work. These enhancements will significantly increase the club’s capacity, allowing for more games to be played and catering to the wider demands of the game in the community.
If your club is looking for a pitch power assessment, please contact Victoria Jones, the Facilities Investment Manager, to arrange one. Each assessment costs £150 and provides essential insights into the specific needs for pitch improvements.
Cricket Wales is committed to fostering a thriving cricket community, and the Grass Pitch Improvement Fund is a vital tool in achieving this goal. By investing in the infrastructure of grassroots cricket, the ECB is laying the foundation for a brighter future for the sport in Wales.