Hitting a 6 for Equality and Sustainability

Calling all cricket lovers, community champions, and equality enthusiasts!

Betley Cricket Club is hitting a boundary for inclusivity and sustainability, and we need your help to score the winning runs. We're aiming for £15,000 through this crowdfunding campaign to upgrade our facilities, empower women in cricket, and become a greener club for everyone.

Who Are we?

Betley Cricket Club have been a central part of our local community for 177 years.  We pride ourselves in a being a diverse and inclusive cricket club and an active part of the local community. This includes rural Staffordshire and the inner city regeneration areas of Stoke, Crewe, Burslem and Silverdale. Our junior teams comprise both girls and boys of all ages and abilities with junior training being led by Warren Mellor and have had the pleasure of hosting the Staffordshire Disability Team. 

Community Support:

The club has been one of the key providers of sport in the community and grown our junior section considerably since COVID.  We support the local primary school with facilities for Track and Field and have a range of coaching groups, all run by qualified volunteers.  Through our sponsors we have been able to provide free kits and equipment to ensure no one is excluded for financial reasons - so important with the current cost of living crisis.

Why are we fundraising?

From Cup Winners to Champions of Change:

Betley CC isn't just about smashing sixes! Our adult teams stormed 2023, clinching both the league and cup titles. Our junior teams performed brilliantly with the u10’s winning their league and many personal player accolades – all for players who were introduced to the game post COVID by our fantastic volunteer coaches and helpers. Now, we're aiming for a different kind of victory: making cricket accessible and enjoyable for everyone, regardless of gender or ability.

Challenge? Caught Short!

Like many, we're facing the rising cost of living and crippling energy bills. While our current teams flourish on the pitch, our changing facilities, particularly for women and disabled players, need crucial upgrades. At present, we are unable to easily accommodate families and individuals with accessibility requirements - something we are separate to address.  This will aid our support for the Staffordshire Disability Cricket Team - who we are proud to host annually.

 Additionally, skyrocketing power costs (annual electricity bill has increased 4-fold) threaten our future and we are in desperate need of a new outfield mower to ensure the games continue!

How we will spend the Money?

The Winning Innings:

This is where you come in! Your generous pledge will help us hit three boundaries for a brighter future:

1. Wicket for Equality: We'll create welcoming and accessible female and disabled toilet and changing facilities, encouraging more women and diverse players to join the crease. 

At present we have been hosting the Staffordshire Disability ‘walking’ cricket group.  This has previously been once a year – although this year we are likely to host a good proportion of their  games.  Betley is perfectly placed for Staffordshire and Shropshire so they are very keen to use the ground.

 The changes we are looking to make would open up further opportunities for this partnership, with other Disability teams enabled to use the facilities (at present you have to be walking mobile to use toilets).

2. Power Play for Sustainability: We'll invest in energy-efficient solutions, like solar panels and LED lighting, saving money and reducing our carbon footprint.

3. Empowering females in Sport: With improved facilities and support, we'll finally establish dedicated women's cricket teams, opening the door for future generations of female cricketers. Our initial target is to establish our own womens softball team with 20 new members plus running an 8-team softball festival during the summer.  Our 3-year plan is to have 2 womens teams playing summer outdoor, and winter indoor matches with 3 softball tournaments each summer.

Every Pound a Run Closer:

No donation is too small! Whether you're a cricket die-hard, a local supporter, or simply someone who believes in equality and sustainability, your contribution will help us bat for a better future.

Join us on this exciting journey! Donate today and help Betley CC hit a six for inclusivity, sustainability, and a thriving cricket community for all.

Together, we can make Betley CC a champion not just on the pitch, but in the hearts of everyone who loves the game!

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!