Ealing CC Nets Replacement and Expansion

Aim

To raise funds for the replacement and expansion of all weather practise nets at Corfton Road

The Covid affected season of 2020 showed us that the Nets at Corfton Road are a vital part of the training and development facilities for Ealing Cricket Club. The increase in Junior members, (male and female) together with the increase in the attendance at  holidays camps highlights that the existing 5 nets are no longer meeting the needs of all our current and future players. We also have a role to play in the wider Ealing community and better all-weather facilities will be key to that, as well as safeguarding cricket in Ealing for the generations ahead. We have created an investment  plan which would enable us to completely replace the existing 5 nets but also increase the numbers of lanes available to 8, with 2 of the extra lanes designed specifically for Juniors. By rebuilding the entire base of the nets we will improve drainage thereby increasing usage, but also provide a better surface for training purposes and for skills development. Adding new nets will enable us to avoid overcrowding at Age group training, and to offer more specific one to one coaching when needed, with smaller “Juniors only” nets better suited to the development needs of the many members aged 12 and under. The club has been granted planning permission by Ealing Council but we now need the funds to do this. 

At the turn of the 20th Century  the members of Ealing CC purchased the ground by raising  £4,500 (equivalent £1/2 million today). In 2018 we raised funds for the development of Popesfield which now provides a great second venue for Senior and Junior matches as well as Junior training. The club is investing £100,000+ in ground improvements in 2020/21 including a complete re-levelling and reseeding the outfield at Corfton Road and 50% of the cost of the existing nets replacement but we are seeking to raise a further £60,000 to be able to complete the rebuild and extend the nets to 8 lanes. 

This project successfully funded on 12th August 2021