SWALEC COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FUND

 

Cricket clubs from across Wales have benefited from the first grants awarded by the SWALEC Community Development Fund to boost grass roots cricket.

 

The Fund, which will provide £100,000 to clubs for much-needed equipment, kit or facility improvements, has reached from Anglesey to Barry and 18 other clubs in between, to help Welsh cricket thrive.

 

The judging panel, consisting of Alan Williams (SWALEC Director of Director of Energy Supply), Peter Hybart (Cricket Wales Director of Cricket), Colin Metson (Glamorgan Cricket Managing Director of Cricket) and Robert Croft (Glamorgan Cricket player), were impressed by the stand of applications, which demonstrated exceptional work in developing community cricket.

 

Barry Wanderers club member Gareth Lanagan commented: “The SWALEC Community Development Fund is massive for Barry Wanderers. The Club cannot progress beyond Division Two of the East Wales Conference without this sight-screen, and in a recession this grant is vitally important.

 

“In the last two years we have gained two promotions, from Division Four to Division Two, and it would be a great shame if the only thing holding us back was a lack of funds and facilities. We now look forward to an even more successful future, on and off the pitch.”

 

The SWALEC Community Development Fund, supported by Glamorgan Cricket and Cricket Wales, is committed to developing both active participation in the recreational game in Wales and improves the cricket experience at grass roots level, and successful clubs’ approach was in line with these objectives.

The new initiative builds on the SWALEC Premier Cricket League which was launched last year to help bridge the gap between club and county cricket.

 

Alan Williams said: “The SWALEC Community Development Fund is yet another testament to our commitment to the communities in which we serve. Last year we successfully launched the SWALEC Premier Cricket League to provide a real stepping stone between club and county cricket. This year, we’re going one step further with the launch of the Community Development Fund to support and strengthen community clubs at a grassroots level.”

 

Peter Hybart, Director of Cricket at Cricket Wales, added: “The local cricket club is the backbone of cricket in this country, and with the help of initiatives like the SWALEC Community Development Fund, they can be strengthened to develop active participation in the recreational game and improve the cricket experience for players, members and the wider community."

 

All clubs affiliated to Cricket Wales and the ECB were invited to apply to the first round of the fund, but had to be in a position to match fund 50% of their allowance.

 

For more information and to apply for the 2012 season funding visit: www.glamorgancricket.com/swaleccdf.