Always on
This project successfully funded on 27th February 2026, you can still support them with a donation.
Cricket Start for Girls
Strabane, Derry and Strabane, United Kingdom
Aim
Increase girls’ participation by providing safe, fun, beginner cricket sessions that build skills, confidence, and long-term club engagement
Who are we?
We are a dedicated team of volunteers at Burndennett Cricket Club, committed to creating a positive, inclusive and enjoyable cricket environment for our community. We work to provide opportunities for young people of all abilities, and we’re passionate about growing the game—especially for girls who are new to cricket.
Why are we crowdfunding?
We’re crowdfunding to give more girls the chance to experience cricket in a fun, safe and welcoming environment. Funding will help us cover essential costs—equipment, coaching resources, volunteer training and venue support—so we can remove barriers, keep sessions affordable, and grow a sustainable girls’ cricket programme at Burndennett Cricket Club.
Our girls only programme will be running early Spring on Thursdays from 6-8pm and will be aimed at 5-16yr old girls for an initial 10 week programme. To assist in the running costs of the programme we are crowdfunding.
History & Community Role
Founded as a local community initiative, the club has grown into an important social and sporting hub. It delivers regular training, competitive fixtures, and community events, helping to promote physical activity, teamwork, and positive mental health within an area that has limited sporting provision.
Membership & Participation
The club supports:
Senior men’s cricket
Junior teams and youth development pathways
Introductory cricket programmes for children and beginners, with emphasis now on girls cricket to grow participation in this area and entry into leagues for various age groups
Recreational cricket opportunities for non-competitive players
Membership continues to grow, reflecting strong community demand for more structured sport and active lifestyles.
Facilities
Burndennett Cricket Club has a well-maintained pitch, practice nets, changing rooms, and a clubhouse. These provide a safe, welcoming environment for players and the community, but we need additional resources to fully support a girls’ cricket programme.
Coaching & Development
The club is driven by dedicated volunteers and qualified coaches. It delivers coaching programmes focused on developing technical skills, confidence, and teamwork, with a priority placed on youth engagement and long-term player development. The focus of this programme will be to introduce and increase female participation within the club.
Commitment to Inclusion
Burndennett Cricket Club is committed to creating a welcoming, safe, and inclusive environment for everyone. We actively encourage participation from girls, young people, and underrepresented groups, ensuring equal opportunities to play, learn, and enjoy cricket regardless of background, ability, or experience.
Strategic Goals
Increase Participation: Grow opportunities specifically for girls and young people in cricket.
Skill Development: Deliver high-quality coaching to build confidence and competence.
Community Engagement: Strengthen ties with local schools and community groups.
Sustainability: Develop a self-sustaining girls’ programme and expand club membership.
Inclusion: Ensure cricket is accessible, welcoming, and enjoyable for all.
How we’ll spend the money raised
Purchase cricket equipment suitable for girls (bats, balls, protective gear)
Cover venue and pitch maintenance costs, the girls programme will be running on Thursday evenings from 6-8pm for 10 weeks, this will be targeted at 5-16yr olds. We will be using a mix of local leisure facilities and sports grounds to deliver the programme.
Provide high-quality coaching and volunteer training - to ensure the girls receive maximum beenfit from the Cricket Start programme. Coaching will cover high-quality accredited coaches to deliver structured training sessions, develop the girls skills, enhance player technique, and provide tailored mentoring, ensuring safe, progressive, consistent development across all age groups and strengthening long-term club performance.
Run fun, engaging sessions that encourage participation and skill development
Support marketing and outreach to attract more girls to the programme
Community impact
The Cricket Start Girls programme will empower local girls by building confidence, teamwork, and fitness. It will increase participation in sport, create new social connections, and strengthen community engagement. By providing an inclusive, safe environment, we help girls stay active, develop lifelong skills, and foster a love of cricket that benefits the whole community.
Who benefits?
Girls aged 5–16: Gain confidence, skills, and enjoyment through cricket.
Families: Access safe, inclusive, local sports opportunities.
The Club & Community: Strengthened engagement, increased participation, and a more vibrant, inclusive sporting environment.
Volunteers & Coaches: Opportunities to develop skills and deliver meaningful community impact.
Why it matters:
Sporting opportunities for girls are limited in our area. The Cricket Start Girls programme gives them a safe, fun space to be active, build confidence, make friends, and develop lifelong skills. By supporting inclusion and engagement, we help shape healthier, more connected communities and ensure girls have equal access to the benefits of sport.
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!
Sport Northern Ireland: Creating Opportunities has provided £2,000 of match funding
Funding method
Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made