Young cricketers in Benwell and Walbottle benefit from new equipment

articleindex followcenterhttps://www.communityfoundation.org.uk/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Benwell-and-Walbottle-CC-2.pngcentermodule_group modules Array 1 https://www.communityfoundation.org.uk/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Benwell-and-Walbottle-CC-2.png Young cricketers try out the new nets.

A local cricket club has been able to increase the number of young people participating in the sport thanks to a grant from the Readman Family Grassroots Fund at the Community Foundation Tyne & Wear and Northumberland.  

The Benwell and Walbottle Cricket Club used the grant to purchase a net cage and ball feeder, allowing them to improve their training facilities and accommodate more young cricketers.  

Over the last four years the club’s junior section has grown from 0 to 50 children aged 6-14, leading to pressures on their training facilities. At the time, the club only had one net cage which meant they could only train a small number of players at one time. The new net cage and ball feeder has allowed them to increase their intake to 80 young people from the local community and provide quality training for all. 

Sandra King, Chief Philanthropy Officer at the Community Foundation said: 

“Benwell and Walbottle Cricket Club are a volunteer-led organisation that provide positive and innovative activities in their community. This grant goes to show that even a relatively small grant can have a big impact, not only in engaging with more young people, but allowing them to improve their health and wellbeing”. 

The grant played an important role in keeping the young people engaged with the club’s training nights during the season. By having a second net cage they can train more players ‘in the nets’ and give them more opportunities to improve their skills and develop their game.  

Stephen Reed, Chair of Benwell and Walbottle CC said: 

“We were extremely grateful to receive the grant award last year and it made a big difference to our junior section programme last summer and will do for many years to come as we continue to expand in this area. Seeing the large number of children on the field, all enjoying their cricket and making good use of the new facilities was a real highlight of our year”. 

For more information about funding opportunities at the Community Foundation visit www.communityfoundation.org.uk/apply