Boost for local cricket clubs in Sussex

Local cricket clubs across Sussex have received a financial boost with the news that £80,000 has been invested into facilities at 30 clubs, thanks to the England & Wales Cricket Trust Small Grant Scheme, supported by Waitrose.

The aim of the ‘EWCT Small Grant Scheme 2015 – supported by Waitrose’ was to help create a sustainable future for affiliated cricket clubs.

The scheme in Sussex, whereby the Sussex Cricket Board is responsible for distributing the money, has helped support clubs to make small changes to improve their long term sustainability, to save or raise money and to reduce operating costs.

With the contribution from Waitrose, clubs applied for help with projects involving kitchens and indoor and outdoor social areas to help clubs become the heart of their local community.

The clubs benefitting from the scheme include – Ansty, Billingshurst, Brighton & Hove, Chippingdale, Denton, East Grinstead, Eastbourne, Findon, Gildredge, Goodwood, Hadlow Down, Hailsham, Herstmonceux, Horsham, Horsham Trinity, Lindfield, Pagham, Portslade, Robertsbridge, Rottingdean, Seaford, Smallfield, Southwater, St. Peters, Uckfield, Waldron & West Wittering.

Tim Shutt, Head of Cricket Development for the Sussex Cricket Board, said “Clubs are the lifeblood of cricket and they are often major hubs within their communities.

“Furthermore, it remains challenging for cricket clubs to be economically viable, therefore being able to support clubs in this way is great and thanks must go to the ECWT and Waitrose.”