The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has announced that applications for the England & Wales Cricket Trust (EWCT) Small Grant Scheme (supported by Waitrose as part of its three-year sponsorship deal) are open.
The scheme aims to create a sustainable future for affiliated cricket clubs through improving their facilities.
Clubs can be supported with a maximum award of up to £4,000 and can apply for the scheme through their local County Cricket Board.
Waitrose has supported this initiative by pledging £100 for every four or six scored across the entire 2014 home international summer, including England, England Women, England Lions and England Under-19s. From the total boundaries scored, Gary Ballance was the England team’s biggest contributor during last summer.
The ECB already invests in local cricket clubs to apply for small grants to help improve facilities. The Waitrose donation, alongside backing from Sport England, tops up this fund allowing a greater number of clubs and local communities to benefit. More information can be found at www.ecb.co.uk/waitrose.
Mike Gatting, ECB Managing Director of Cricket Partnerships said: “Both the ECB and Waitrose are passionate about creating a sustainable future for cricket clubs and their communities. The fund can play a part in getting more games on with better rain covers, as well as refurbishing your kitchen or creating a BBQ area to increase club funds.”
Gary Ballance said: “It was fantastic to contribute with the bat last summer, made even sweeter by all the England players’ boundaries helping to raise some important funds. It’s brilliant to see Waitrose helping clubs get brand new facilities.”
Rupert Ellwood, Head of Marketing of Waitrose said: “For us, an important part of being a sponsor of England Cricket is encouraging cricket in local communities – and throughout 2014 our shops thoroughly enjoyed supporting local clubs as they held open days. We hope this boundary fund will make a real difference to grassroots cricket up and down the country.”