East Bierley CC Winter COVID-19 Player Challenge

Aim

Raise funds for essential club improvement projects to make up for a shortfall in fundraising opportunities / lose of income due to COVID-19

WHO ARE WE?

East Bierley Cricket Club is a community club at the heart of Easy Bierley village with 2 senior teams and junior teams from All Stars to U15 who compete in the Bradford Cricket League and over the last couple of years through hard work and dedication we have transitioned into a major community hub. Both for sport and non sporting purposes. The club encourages participation in cricket, other sports and community groups while engaging with the East Bierley public to promote the club facilities and build a sustainable future as a sporting hub in the village. 

We not only hold cricket for all ages we also have charity run PHAB sports camps in school holidays which offer disadvantaged and disabled young people the chance to socialise with others through sport and non sporting subjects. A high percentage of these participants been from a BAME background.

ROLE IN THE COMMUNITY

Situated within the city of Bradford the area consists of a number of multi-cultural communities.

We pride ourselves in a being a diverse and inclusive cricket club and an active part of the local community. Our junior teams comprise both girls and boys of all ages and abilities.

Our facilities are used by many, not only for cricket practice, but by local schools for their sports days, charity run PHAB sports camps and to host a Christmas Fayre for the local community.  

Our ground and facilities are also used by West Yorkshire regional cricket teams and Yorkshire CCC County Age Group fixtures. 

WHAT WE WANT TO DO

In 2021, although we returned to playing cricket again, our income was down considerably however we want to continue essential club improvement projects - 

- Changing room repair and refurbishment
- Junior coaching development project
- Continued outfield drainage work
- Scoreboard repairs following break-in

If we were to achieve our stretch target funds would be used to go towards a new wicket mower which is much needed.

WHAT WE BOUGHT

2020 saw all of our income streams stopped because of Covid.  

We ran a Crowdfunder appeal to help cover some of the losses we had suffered because of Covid and to help improve the existing facilities.  It was very successful and we managed to achieve a fantastic outcome with the support of Sport England Active Together. 

The money was spent on

• Repair of current drains and installation of new drainage trenches to stop pitch water-logging stopping junior and senior training nights / matches in addition to the PHAB club activities,
• Sightscreen repair and upgrade,
• Scoreboard repairs

Following our successful crowdfunder campaign we have shown, after refurbishing aspects of the club over the last 2 years such as new outfield drainage and outdoor nets (shown in the pictures below), we are committed to investing in the club facilities continuing to ensure we make the facility one the village and members are proud of but also one that is fit for purpose to host all the above mentioned provision. 

TESTIMONIALS

"In 2021 we installed new drainage at the top of our outfield. Although I’m sure we’ll see the benefits over the long term, in the short term it has already enabled us to deliver more junior training sessions when we would have otherwise had to cancel sessions. 

Historically we’ve always had to cancel sessions early due to the saturation and poor drainage on our clay built outfield. 

The drainage and the completion of our all weather nets has also allowed cricket and sports clubs to use our facilities through school holidays which brings more juniors and parents through the gate. 

Our junior training nights have grown from strength to strength in recent years and were now rebuilding from no teams 6 years ago to now having 30 registered u9 players. Having the facilities to enable these players to grow as cricketers will only help grow as a club and give young cricketers in the East Bierley and surrounding areas a club to grow. 

We’ve invested in qualified coaches and are always looking at tomorrow and beyond for how we can become one of the top local clubs in the area for all things cricket."

Ross Monaghan - Committee Member

"All the cricket coaches here at East Bierley CC are forever grateful for the ongoing developments at the club. The new outfield drainage system and astroturf nets have allowed the coaches to continue their sessions when we have had some rain. This has increased the numbers of juniors that participate in the Friday junior training evenings. Cricket camps have been able to take place for the juniors because of the improved facilities enabling more opportunities to use the facilities and play the sport we all love."

Andrew Duckworth - Junior Head Coach

THE HOW

Player/Member Challenge
Dates - 26th March 2022

In the lead up to the new cricket season, a hardy and enthusiastic group of players, supported by club members will be taking on their largest challenge to date by tackling all the 3 Yorkshire Peaks (39.2km or 24.5miles) in just one day - come rain or shine (or snow, hail, gales or whatever the Yorkshire weather throws at them!).

Yorkshire 3 Peaks Route

Top of whernside

Top of Pen-Y-Ghent

Top of Ingleborough

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

We need to generate donations from members, families, friends and the wider community to help us complete these projects and cover the lost income because of the Covid pandemic.

We are aware that both businesses & individuals have also been hit hard by the impact of COVID-19 and are just starting to recover. However, if you can spare any money to donate, large or small, we would really appreciate the support.

If you do pledge a family donation, please can you pay for each family member separately.

Thanks for taking the time to read this and stay safe

EBCC

This project successfully funded on 29th March 2022