South Devon CC are reaping the rewards of installing their non-turf pitch, which was funded by the ECB County Grants Fund.

The club's grant application was supported by the Devon Cricket Foundation, ensuring South Devon CC could secure the resources necessary to complete the project.

"The non-turf pitch has opened doors for so many people, and it’s wonderful to see the club thriving."

The non-turf pitch (NTP), which was laid in the Spring of 2023, has been transformative for the club, with Junior Coach Brian Yip describing them as "an absolute godsend."

Reflecting on the past, Brian notes that prior to the new facility, the club’s capacity for activities was limited, particularly during poor weather. Now, the NTP ensures the club can host training sessions and matches consistently, regardless of conditions: "Without it, we wouldn’t have been able to use the wicket as effectively."

Aimed at providing enhanced facilities and playing opportunities for women and girls, the laying of the strip has had a direct impact on increased participation levels at the club, especially among female participants. Speaking on the growth, South Devon CC's Emma Maunder said: "We’ve seen such an increase in participation across the board, but particularly in women’s and girls’ cricket, which aligns with the club's commitment to inclusion and community engagement."

Brian echoes this sentiment, pointing out that before the new strip was installed, the club had minimal engagement from female players: "Three and a half years ago, we had very little. Now, the astro is in use daily during the summer. It's not just the structured training sessions; people come down to use the nets outside normal hours, which is brilliant."

The NTP has proven to be a popular addition due to its durability, serving seven teams from Under 10s to the first XI, and its versatility, accommodating a range of drills and exercises, and enhancing player development. "We use it not just for bowling and batting but also for drills that bring kids forward on their front foot," Brian explains.

This versatility extends to its ability to ensure fixtures can proceed even during inclement weather. While Under 14 DYCL Tier 1 matches must still be played on grass wickets, the NTP provides an alternative for Tier 2 and other youth games, further increasing playing opportunities.

Emma says the support from Devon Cricket Foundation's Funding & Facilities Manager, Nick Goodliffe "really helped." Nick was on hand to steer the club through the application, ensuring everything was in place before the ECB Case Officer was assigned. "Without Nick I would have found the process less accessible. When we had follow-up questions from the ECB, Nick was there to help us sort it out."

The NTP has not only enhanced the club's infrastructure but also its ability to connect with a broader audience. Emma sums it up best: "It has opened doors for so many people, and it’s wonderful to see the club thriving."

ECB County Grants Fund

Since the ECB County Grants Fund began in 2021, the Devon Cricket Foundation has assisted 50 clubs in Devon to obtain Grant funding exceeding £400k, with projects that collectively amount to almost £1 million.

The ECB County Grants Fund is set to return in 2025, with the first application window running from 10 February to 27 March.

Further details will be shared in due course, but interested clubs are encouraged to start planning now and to contact Nick Goodliffe to discuss the viability of their intended project:

nick.goodliffe@devoncricket.co.uk
07801 178329