Securing Martinstown Cricket Club's future

Aim

Securing our future by going solar and reroofing—cutting costs so we can grow and offer even more 'cricket for all'

Who are we?

Martinstown Cricket Club is a volunteer-led community club in rural Dorset, passionate about making cricket accessible to everyone: 'cricket for all' is our mantra.

We welcome all including children, girls, disabled players, and families, and run inclusive coaching, competitive teams, school sessions, and community events.

Our team of dedicated volunteers works year-round to grow participation, and build a sustainable future for grassroots sport in a rural area that has limited opportunities.

Why are we crowdfunding?

We’re raising funds to install solar panels and other energy solutions.  This will likely replace the roof that has become leaky through storm damage/old tiles and needs replacing to keep the Eileen Eversden Pavilion safe and usable year-round; so two birds with one stone!

We are delighted to announce this project is match funded by Sport England. Every pound we raise is matched by Sport England to £7.5k with the aim - even more reason to support our cause.

These improvements will protect a vital community space and reduce our energy costs—allowing us to reinvest savings into free and low-cost cricket sessions. We’re also expanding our girls’ section and hosting disability sessions now we are a Disability Champion Club, so these upgrades are essential to support future growth. Our project is backed by letters of support from the Dorset Cricket Board, Our West Dorset MP, and the Parish Council.

This is phase 1 of a larger project to protect and expand our pavilion with additional changing space so it is a truly inclusive community asset.

How we’ll spend the money raised

Phase 1 primarily consists of installing solar panels and trays to replace a failing roof and install other energy saving products like solar tunnels. Funding raised will be used to purchase and install the equipment, including labour and scaffolding.

The club have (for example through professional fees) invested heavily so far in the project and will continue to do so.  If we are fortunate enough to raise additional funds, then this will be used towards Phase 2 and the pavilion expansion.

Community impact

This project will benefit hundreds of local residents and people across Dorset. Our pavilion is used not only for cricket, but also by Dorset disability teams, local schools, charities, and community groups. By making the building safe, energy-efficient, and accessible year-round, we’ll create a welcoming hub for sport, wellbeing, and social connection. The savings from solar energy will help us keep fees low and offer more free sessions—ensuring no one is excluded from playing due to cost or lack of facilities, especially important in a rural area where community assets and organised sport is limited.

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!

Funding method

Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made