SWALEC has launched its annual Cricket Development Fund which invites clubs across Wales to apply for a share of £10,000
. The monies can be put towards new equipment and facilities at their clubs for the 2014 cricket season.
In association with Cricket Wales and Glamorgan Cricket, the £10,000 SWALEC Community Development Fund, which was first introduced in 2011, provides matched funding for grassroots cricket clubs and funds to support recreational cricket to help grow one of Wales' favourite national sports at a local level.
Since the launch of the initiative SWALEC has helped 43 clubs invest in everything from waterhogs and cover sheets to 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 that support the playing of cricket or which will help reduce their operating costs. This year, there will be a particular focus on club maintenance and groundkeeping equipment.
One of the clubs that benefited from the fun last season was St Fagans. David Harris, chairman of the club said: Adequate funding is vital for the survival of local cricket clubs like us and we're delighted that SWALEC is playing an active role in promoting and preserving community cricket in Wales.
Richard Arthur, club treasurer at Cresselly Cricket Club, another club that was successful in its application to the fund last season, added: Thanks to SWALEC, we were able to invest in resurfacing our twin lane practice area to restore it to pitch-perfect condition.
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 from 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 to Peter Hybart, Cricket Wales, C/O Glamorgan Cricket Club, SWALEC Stadium, Cardiff, CF11 9XR or to Kerry.Lloyd@cricketwales.org.uk
The deadline for applications is 18th April 2014. All applications will be assessed by a judging panel who will then notify the club if successful.
For further information on SWALEC's sponsorship of Glamorgan Cricket and how to get involved visit www.SWALEC.co.uk/cricket