Always on
This project successfully funded on 7th April 2026, you can still support them with a donation.
Ards & Donaghadee CC - Improving facilities
Donaghadee, Ards and North Down, United Kingdom
Aim
Ards & Donaghadee Cricket Club is seeking support to improve and enhance the training and safety facilities at our home ground, Northfield.
Who are we?
We are Ards & Donaghadee Cricket Club, based in County Down, Northern Ireland. We are a friendly, community-focused club formed in 2022 following a successful merger between former rivals Ards CC and Donaghadee CC.
Why are we crowdfunding?
The project includes the installation of ball-stop netting system along the boundary adjacent to Northfield Road, the purchase of a mobile cricket cage, and the addition of a bowling machine to strengthen our coaching offer. These upgrades will significantly improve player safety, community safety, and the overall training environment for both junior and senior members.
How we’ll spend the money raised
This project involves three key capital improvements:
(1) 5m high x 80m wide Ball-Stop Netting System
Installation of a high-quality, durable and removable netting system along the Northfield Road side of the ground. This will help to safely contain cricket balls within the boundary and protect passing pedestrians, local residents, vehicles, and the wider community.
(2) Mobile Cricket Cage
The cage will be longer, safer, and significantly easier to manoeuvre on and off the playing surface. This will allow more efficient coaching sessions and provide a secure space for batting and bowling development.
(3) Bowling Machine & balls
A modern bowling machine will allow us to strengthen our coaching delivery for both junior and senior players. It will enhance skill development, relieve pressure on volunteer coaches, and enable tailored training sessions for players of all abilities.
Community impact
Our club has experienced considerable growth in recent years, with more than 50 junior members and 50 senior players regularly taking part. This growth has placed increased demand on our existing training infrastructure.
The current mobile cage is no longer fit for purpose. It has become difficult to move and restricts the quality and safety of training sessions.
During play, balls can travel over the boundary wall on the Northfield Road side. The new ball-stop netting is essential not only for cricketers’ safety but for community reassurance and protection.
A bowling machine is now a fundamental coaching tool. Without one, coaches must deliver all bowling manually, placing additional strain on volunteers and limiting the progression of players.
These improvements are essential for sustaining our club’s development, supporting the future of cricket in the area, and ensuring Northfield remains a safe and welcoming community sports venue.
How you can play your part
There are four simple ways to help us reach our target, and make this project a reality.
1. Make a pledge. Don’t delay if you’re going to support us because momentum is key to our success!
2. Spread the word. Share our project on your social media pages and tell the world to get behind us! The more people we reach, the more support we will get.
3. Offer rewards. Get involved if you are a local business by donating things we can offer to our supporters. We will give you a shout out!
4. Fundraise for us. If you want to run your own fundraiser – maybe a sponsored activity or similar – use the 'contact project' button at the top of our page to let us know. Setting up your own page only takes a few minutes and you won’t need any bank details. Just a fun idea!
Thank you to Sport NI and The Olympic Legacy Fund for believing in us and supporting local sport!
Olympic Legacy Fund has provided £4,049 of match funding
Funding method
Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made