Sport Northern Ireland: Creating Opportunities has provided £5,000 of match funding
Creating Opportunities at ADCC Youth
Donaghadee, Ards and North Down, United Kingdom
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Aim: We are taking our newly formed youth cricket section to the next phase and we need your support to make it a success.
Who are we?
We are Ards & Donaghadee Cricket Club, based in County Down, Northern Ireland. We are a friendly, diverse, and community-focused club formed in 2022 following a successful merger between former rivals Ards CC and Donaghadee CC.
Currently fielding three senior teams, we’re taking a major step forward by building a structured youth and women’s section. This section is designed to give local children and young people the chance to develop their skills and enjoy the game in a supportive, inclusive environment.
Why are we crowdfunding?
We’ve made great progress over the past year with our introductory youth sessions, which were only possible thanks to the dedication of a few volunteers giving up their time and resources. These sessions gave dozens of local children their first taste of cricket, but now it’s time to take things to the next level.
This summer, we’re launching a new phase: establishing competitive youth teams to play in the NCU Development Leagues. To do that, we need your help.
This is a completely new development. It means:
- Hiring qualified coaches to deliver consistent, high-quality sessions
- Providing modern training equipment, including a bowling machine
- Entering organised league matches—giving players purpose, structure, and a pathway for growth
- Introducing girls' cricket initiatives to ensure equal access and opportunity
How we’ll spend the money raised
Your generous contributions will go towards:
- Purchasing essential cricket equipment for young players
- Paying trained coaches to deliver regular sessions and support match play
- Launching girls’ cricket programmes and recruitment initiatives
- Hiring training and match facilities to provide safe, quality environments
- Running outreach and taster sessions in local schools and communities
Every donation helps us create a structured, sustainable youth setup that supports young people of all backgrounds and abilities, especially girls, in accessing cricket.
Community impact
Cricket can also be a factor in community development.
At Ards & Donaghadee CC, we believe in using cricket to:
- Unite people across backgrounds
- Promote physical health and mental wellbeing
- Build confidence, teamwork, and leadership in young people
- Offer a positive alternative to antisocial behaviour
Our newly expanded youth programme will:
- Give local children consistent access to team sport
- Bring quality coaching into communities where opportunities are limited
- Foster pride and identity through representing their club in matches
- Encourage volunteerism and parental involvement.
This project is about growing a stronger, more connected community through cricket.
How you can help
There are four simple ways to support us:
Make a pledge – Every contribution, large or small, makes a difference.
Spread the word – Share our campaign on social media and beyond!
Offer rewards – If you're a local business, donate goods or services to offer our supporters. We’ll promote your support in return.
Fundraise for us – Got a creative idea? Let us know—we’ll help you set up your own mini fundraiser!
This funding will transform cricket in our community, enabling us to:
- Deliver quality coaching
- Compete in organised youth leagues
- Engage schools and underrepresented groups
- Make cricket a fun, inclusive and meaningful part of life in Ards & Donaghadee
Help us inspire the next generation.
Be part of our story, support youth cricket today!
Funding method
Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made by 25th July 2025 at 11:12am