Brand new high quality outdoor cricket nets are now available at West Park in West Bridgford thanks to a joint project from Rushcliffe Borough Council (RBC) Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and IG Group.
The partners are delighted to welcome the new community facility that will be available for hire soon, designed for all age groups and abilities, up to and including professionals.
The collaborative project was born out of demand identified in RBC’s Playing Pitch Strategy and RBC representatives joined professionals and community development officers from the Cricket Club, and children from West Bridgford Legion Cricket Club to check out the new facilities.
The strategy identifies a shortfall of cricket provision in the Borough and this project supports the outcomes to improve the cricketing landscape locally.
It’s also part of the Council’s wider aims to develop facilities and give additional opportunities for grass roots cricket, including a focus on encouraging more women and girls participating in the game.
Works will complement refurbishment of the Sir Julien Cahn Pavilion at the site in the coming months.
A RBC spokesperson said: “This is a fantastic new facility and another example of the huge level of investment RBC, with fantastic support from NCCC, the ECB and IG, continues to lever into local sporting facilities in the Borough. It further makes Rushcliffe the home of sport in Nottinghamshire.
“West Park is our only dedicated cricket facility and this investment helps sustainability of the site for cricket for the future that will welcome and encourage generations of existing and new cricketers to hone their skills.
“It’s vital we invest in sport facilities in this way and maintain excellent services wherever we can so residents can benefit for years to come.”
Mandy Wright, Head of Community and Development at Nottinghamshire CCC, said: “We’re passionate about proving that cricket can be a game for people of all ages and abilities – but to do so, we need facilities of the required standard to be available to as many people as possible.
“Whether they go on to pursue professional careers or just play for the love of the game, it’s vital for there to be as many opportunities as possible for people to get involved with our game at grassroots level.
“These new nets will be invaluable in that regard, and we’re hugely thankful for the support of Rushcliffe Borough Council, the ECB and IG in bringing these facilities to fruition.”
The new facilities at West Park form part of IG and the ECB’s wider ‘Net Gains’ campaign – a commitment to invest in new public cricket net facilities across the country, giving local communities access to invaluable practice facilities which are integral to their development.
Supporting local councils and communities, IG’s Net Gains initiative is a vehicle for investing in the future of English and Welsh cricket, targeting increased levels of ambition, ability and attainment amongst under-represented communities, aiming to generate long-term real returns for the game and the people who play it.
Bookings for the site will be available on the following link: https://tinyurl.com/3b69x94v