Before the start of the season, Chudleigh CC were the recipients of a Discretionary Development Grant from the Tolchards Devon Cricket League, with the grant going to support the club's junior and women's cricket programmes. Club Chairman, Andy Robinson, describes the progress made over the course of the summer.

Junior Softball Programme

During the 2025 season, Chudleigh CC used part of the grant funding to deliver a structured and inclusive softball cricket programme for young players. Over a 20-week period, sessions were run every Friday evening from 6:30pm to 7:30pm. The programme was designed to cater for five distinct age groups, ensuring that coaching could be tailored to the needs and abilities of each set of players.

The response from the local community was overwhelmingly positive. At its peak, more than 100 children attended these sessions, creating a vibrant and energetic atmosphere at the club. This high level of participation highlights both the demand for cricket opportunities among young people in the area and the effectiveness of the programme in engaging them.

The grant funding was vital in supporting the smooth running of these sessions. New equipment was purchased to ensure that each group had access to the necessary resources, such as bats, balls, protective gear, and training aids. This investment in equipment not only allowed us to manage large numbers of participants effectively but also ensured that safety standards were met and that sessions remained fun and engaging.

Another key area of expenditure was coach development. The club allocated part of the grant to fund two coaching courses, with the intention of increasing the pool of qualified coaches available to run junior cricket activities. Although these courses were unfortunately cancelled during the season, the funds remain earmarked, and the coaches will attend the rescheduled courses this winter. This will strengthen our coaching base for 2026 and beyond, ensuring the sustainability of the programme in future years.

Overall, the grant has had a direct and positive impact on the club's ability to deliver a high-quality, well-attended junior softball programme, providing opportunities for young players to learn, play, and enjoy cricket in a safe and structured environment.

Development of the Women's Team

A significant proportion of the grant funding was also directed towards the creation and development of a new women's cricket team at Chudleigh CC. This initiative was launched in early 2025 and has proven to be a major step forward in broadening participation and promoting inclusivity within the club.

Over the course of the season, the women's team attended 20 structured training sessions. These were led by a qualified coach whose training was funded by the grant, ensuring that the players benefited from high-quality, dedicated coaching. In addition, all of the equipment used by the team, including bats, balls, protective equipment, and training aids, was purchased with grant support. This provision of resources was essential in removing barriers to participation and helping new players feel confident and supported as they began their cricket journey.

The women's team have not only trained regularly, but have also been active in competition. They entered a local league and participated in a number of cricket festivals throughout the season, gaining valuable match experience and quickly building a sense of identity and pride. Their achievements have been recognised within the club, with new trophies introduced to mirror those awarded to the men's teams. This symbolic gesture demonstrates the club's commitment to equality and ensures that the women's game holds equal standing within Chudleigh CC.

The establishment of the women's team has been a resounding success and has significantly strengthened the club's community presence. Thanks to the grant funding, Chudleigh CC has been able to provide new opportunities, broaden participation, and lay firm foundations for the continued growth of women’s cricket in the years ahead.

Discretionary Development Grants

Discretionary Development Grants are on offer to all Tolchard Devon Cricket League member clubs, and further details on the scheme may be found at Devon Cricket League Play-Cricket site.