Holybourne Cricket Club Artificial Wicket & Nets

Who are we?

Holybourne Cricket Club is a small grass-roots not-for-profit club in East Hampshire, on the edge of Alton. Run by a group of volunteers, we provide the local community and surrounding villages with outstanding cricket coaching and development throughout the year. Our grounds and facilities are also used to support local schools and organisations, and our clubhouse is a popular social venue throughout the summer.

Why the need for crowdfunding?

Like so many sports venues throughout Covid, Holybourne Cricket Club was negatively impacted by the pandemic, and due to having a medically-vulnerable lead cricket coach, was forced to close for an entire cricket season. This meant our usual fund-raising streams gained via membership, sponsorship, clubhouse and social events, then stopped. 

It has taken Holybourne CC two years to recover, but after essential ongoing investment in machinery and equipment, rising energy and food prices, and stiff competition from other local clubs, we aren't left with anywhere near enough to replace our artificial wicket, which will only last for one more season.

Last year, a few of our members unearthed where two permanent cricket nets used to stand. If successful in our fundraising, we would love also love to install at least one, if not two permanent cricket nets (every other local cricket club has one, and it's a vital part of coaching and development). 

Mindful of the financial hardships many are now faced with, we want to continue making cricket as accessible and affordable to as many as possible. This means not increasing our annual membership fees, and continuing to reward our members with discounted food and drinks via our clubhouse. 

While last season (2022 - 2023) saw record numbers of Youth players, our U11 triumphantly winning their league, and the formation of two U9 teams, one being our first all-girls team at this age, we were unable to attract enough players to form an U15 Team and were only able to create one Adult Team (1st X1), and even then, struggled to get regular players. 

Through the installation of new and improved facilities, like the wicket and nets, we believe this will help to significantly raise Holybourne Cricket Club's profile, and help to attract more Youth and Adult members, local schools and organisations.

Plans for this season (2023 - 2024)

Last year, discussions took place with Hampshire County Cricket about attracting younger players (5 years olds) and their parents to Holybourne CC through the ECB All Stars programme, where we know there is demand. Excitedly, this is planned to launch later in the season. More details to follow soon.

This year, we have forecasted having enough U13 players to form two mixed teams - for the first time ever - and will continue to focus on all-girls cricket.

There are also plans to attract female players to our 1st X1 Adult Team through a targeted recruitment drive, in addition to encouraging parents of All Stars to join and volunteer at our club.

How we’ll spend the money raised

Our aim through our ECB Crowdfunder campaign is to further improve the cricket offer at Holybourne CC by making our facilities current and inclusive, so we can properly cater for our members and community. The money we raise will be invested in a new artificial wicket and one, if not two, permanent nets.

Community impact

Aside from benefiting our members, our campaign will support local schools and organisations that use our grounds and facilities.

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 or approach our Chair, Jane Taylor, if you're interested in become a sponsor. 

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!