SWALEC has launched its annual Cricket Development Fund which invites clubs across Wales to apply for a share of £10,000.
The money can be put towards new equipment and facilities as Welsh cricketers gear up for the start of the 2014 season.
The £10,000 SWALEC Community Development Fund was first introduced in 2011, in conjunction with Cricket Wales and Glamorgan Cricket. It provides matched funding for grassroots cricket clubs to support one of Wales’ most popular sports at a local level.
Since the launch of the initiative SWALEC has helped 43 clubs invest in everything from ‘water hogs,’ [which to mop up rainwater], cover sheets, sight screens and score boxes.
The fund is open to any Welsh cricket club that is affiliated to Cricket Wales and the ECB and can be used either to purchase equipment or materials. This year, there will be a particular focus on club maintenance and ground keeping equipment.
One of the clubs that benefited from the fund last season was St Fagans, Cardiff. David Harris, chairman of the club said: “Adequate funding is vital for the survival of local cricket clubs like us. We’re delighted that SWALEC is playing an active role in promoting and preserving community cricket in Wales.”
Jonny Petrie, Head of Sponsorship Strategy at SWALEC, said: “When we launched the Community Development Fund originally, we made a long term commitment to support Welsh cricket at a grassroots level and encourage more people to get involved in this great sport.
“We’re delighted that the clubs have put their funds to such good use in the past and hope to see many more benefiting from it this year.”
Peter Hybart, Chief Executive Officer at Cricket Wales, said: “Grassroots cricket is at the centre of many communities in Wales. This funding in partnership with Glamorgan Cricket and SWALEC will support local cricket clubs to grow and retain membership and enhance the quality of cricket experience.”
All cricket clubs in Wales can apply for the fund by downloading an entry form at www.glamorgancricket.com/swalecfund.
Completed forms should be submitted by April 18th to Kerry.Lloyd@cricketwales.org.uk or Peter Hybart, Cricket Wales, C/O Glamorgan Cricket Club, SWALEC Stadium, Cardiff, CF11 9XR.