New Nets Opened at Bovey Tracey CC

Sir Mel Stride MP was joined by local politicians and club officials as Bovey Tracey CC officially opened their new outdoor nets last week, funded in part through the ECB County Grants Fund.

Members and committee representatives from Bovey Tracey CC and Bovey Tracey Tennis Club, were joined by Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer, Sir Mel Stride, Bovey Tracey Mayor, Sheila Brooke, and local Councillors to officially open the new facilities at the Recreation Ground last Thursday.

The project marked the culmination of several years of collaboration between the cricket and tennis clubs, with the facilities set to benefit the local community for years to come, promoting physical and mental wellbeing for people of all ages and abilities.

"These new facilities will provide greater opportunities for local residents of all ages to participate in sport, delivering health and wellbeing benefits and supporting the long- term future of both clubs," said Bovey Tracey CC Chair, Tina England.

"We are grateful to all the volunteers and supporters who have not only worked hard to raised funds but also generously contributed their skills and expertise free of charge, helping to make this significant project affordable. Both clubs play a key role in bringing the local community together, not only through participation in sport, but also through providing opportunities for volunteering and community engagement."

Part of the funding for the project was delivered through Devon's ECB County Grants Fund, which aims to support affiliated cricket clubs to create welcoming environments, and enhance playing and changing facilities.

Speaking on the new facilities, Devon Cricket Foundation's Nick Goodliffe, who supported the club through the ECB County Grants Fund application process, said:

"It was a pleasure to work with the Bovey Tracey committee to get their new practice nets over the line. Their enthusiasm to develop women and girls' cricket is there for all to see and by combining a County Grant in parallel with an ECB Interest Free Loan and other partnerships funding, this is evidence of what can be achieved. They now have a quality practice facility to meet their needs now and in the future, as the club continues to grow."

The cricket nets are dedicated to the memory of Kelly Luscombe, the club's much-missed Women’s Team Captain, who sadly passed away last year. "Kelly's inclusive spirit, her dedication to developing every player, regardless of ability, has helped shape and grow our women and girls’ cricket, which is one of the fastest growing sections of the cricket club," said Tina.

ECB County Grants Fund

The ECB County Grants Fund is there to support clubs running women and/or girls' cricket teams. The main eligibility themes are centred around Creating Welcoming Environments, and Enhanced Playing and Changing Facilities.

So far this year the Devon Cricket Foundation has supported six clubs with projects that meet the eligibility criteria, with a second application window opening on Monday, 20 July for six weeks.

Any clubs considering applying are recommended to get in touch with Nick Goodliffe over the coming weeks:

nick.goodliffe@devoncricket.co.uk
07801 178329