Following the launch of two new funding streams from the Tolchards Devon Cricket League (DCL), four member clubs received financial support in the 2023 season. In the spring of this year, the DCL launched the Discretionary Development Grant (DDG) Scheme, in partnership with the David Shepherd Cricket Trust (DSCT), and the Emergency Relief Fund (ERF).

In partnership with the DSCT, Barton CC received a grant of £350 towards the cost of a mobile net cage. Chris Stubbs, from Barton said: "As a result [of the grant] we have been able to provide more coaching for our juniors on a Friday night. Because of this new provision a number of the juniors have improved and gone on to make their debuts in Open Age Cricket during the season."

Thanks to a grant from the League and the DSCT, Alphington & Countess Wear CC were able to start a brand-new Women’s Softball section this season. Neil Pateman from the club said: "At the start of the season we had 14 members signed up and playing. With backing from first-team players and the club’s coaches, 22 women are now actively involved."

The grant helped to provide some much-needed equipment and plans are already in place to expand the Women’s Softball section for next season.

Alphington & Countess Wear CC's new Women's Softball side.

Two clubs have received £500 grants directly from the ERF. Exwick CC had their mobile net cage vandalised and the grant helped to provide a replacement. Filleigh CC had a breakdown to their pitch roller and would have struggled to complete this season’s fixtures without it being repaired.

"Working in partnership with the League has given us the Trust the opportunity to help even more clubs," says Gavin Lane, Treasurer of the DSCT. "Helping clubs to develop their futures is critical to the Trust's objectives," he said.

Ed Leverton, a member of the League’s Development sub-committee said: "We are keen to help any of our member clubs who are looking to either start or develop their junior sections or support the establishment of cricket for women and girls."

Further information about these two grant schemes may be found on the Tolchards Devon Cricket League Play-Cricket site. This includes the eligibility criteria and an application form.