New Nets for Stony Stratford Cricket Club

JS

Project by Joanna Stratfull

We did it
On 4th August 2024 we successfully raised £35,609 ( + est. £3000.00 Gift Aid ) with 463 supporters in 56 days

An ambitious project to raise a total of £58,000 for the installation of a new three-lane net system to improve our practice facilities

TIP: To avoid paying any additional fees, set a custom amount of £0 where it says 'Crowdfunder Tip'.

Who are we?

Stony Stratford CC is a well-established family-friendly and fully inclusive organisation with a history dating back over 150 years. We run five senior sides in the Northamptonshire Cricket League together with two Women’s teams, a Sunday side and a highly successful junior set-up featuring more than 260 young cricketers from U5 to U19 level.

1714421276_11212716_1073709712643354_7533741922638277976_o.jpg

1714421313_376406724_791992156265376_8484368173344923244_n.jpg

The club welcomes players of all abilities and delivers a great participant experience whilst also enabling those with talent to fulfil their potential and access county pathways. 

We are committed to retaining young people in sport and are exceptionally good at integrating youngsters of both genders into our senior sides.

1715326161_stowe_school_pic.jpg

We have the only women and girls’ section in the whole of Milton Keynes and are one of only six in the whole of Buckinghamshire, and we continue to rapidly grow this branch of our club.

1714421331_431276447_916595283805062_8504219371607143729_n.jpg

Parents are encouraged to attend as spectators or take this further by volunteering as coaches (which many do) or in other roles, behind the scenes.

1714195991_431175368_18255951322242969_7748952344357579163_n.jpg

Why are we crowdfunding?

In the past 10-15 years our club has doubled in size and the net lane system we have in place at the moment is no longer fit for purpose.

We are an ambitious club with our senior men's 1st XI targeting a return to the Premier Division of the Northamptonshire Cricket League.

Our nets are well over a decade old and are tired, damaged and no longer offer the kind of training environment we wish to provide the members of our club, young and old.

In a recent survey that we undertook with our club members, we received strong feedback that our training facilities needed improvement and we are acting upon this very clear message from our members.

1714419684_damaged-nets.jpg

How we’ll spend the money raised

We are raising a total of £58,000 to replace our old system with a new and resilient practice system that will help increase the attractiveness of the club to prospective junior and senior players. More importantly, it will assist the club's retention of junior and senior players by providing increased on-site facilities and subsequently allowing coaches and leaders to provide year-round coaching sessions.

We have applied for several grants to supplement our project, and we have an active programme of events scheduled across the season to fundraise, but this Crowdfunder appeal will be a huge part of whether we are able to improve our facilities for our club's community.

The money will provide an ECB-approved three-lane 27m open facility that will meet the demands of the club and will provide a safe, performance-led facility in which to hold warm-ups, coaching, drills, skills and net practice. 

1714420563_the-ncp-colourway-mimics-1.jpg

Community impact of our club

Community Events

SSCC is a large part of the county's cricketing community and a valued part of the local community in the historic town of Stony Stratford.

We host one of the town's largest local events every July with our annual Beer and Prosecco Festival which provides a safe and family-friendly event for local residents to enjoy. 

It gives a platform to local aspiring music talents on our open-mic night and gives the opportunity for other local businesses to benefit from the 1,500 strong footfall over the course of the weekend.

It is a hugely enjoyable outdoor event for all and a valued part of the town's calendar of events, bringing the community together and forging new friendships.

1714417246_beer_festival_montage.jpg

Supporting local businesses

We are proud of our impressive growth over the past decade and we always look for ways that our community can support local businesses.

Junior training on a Friday night sees over 150 children learning new skills whilst their parents enjoy watching on and enjoying a well-earned end-of-the-week drink. Over the past several seasons, we have offered the evening slot to a variety of different food vendors. We offer this at no charge and enjoy being able to provide a captive (and hungry) audience to support small businesses.

1714417905_little_oven_of_joy.jpg

Supporting the growth of local cricket clubs

Following our growth, it has been impossible to host the volume of games we need to in order to fulfil all of the fixtures for our senior and junior sides. As such, we have reached out to a number of local cricket clubs who all benefit from the fees we pay to use their facilities, making their clubs more financially stable.

In addition, we also supply two of these clubs, Hanslope CC and Thornborough CC, with some of our older youth players to supplement their senior weekend sides which keeps cricket alive in the village, whilst also offering development opportunities for our youth players.

Our latest partnership with Thornborough CC has seen us support and mentor their coaches as they seek to grow their youth programme, and we are delighted to see that their junior section is seeing impressive growth. 

We look forward to suppporting this village team - that was once a senior-only club - develop their youth section even more to keep the hugely important English tradition of village cricket alive.

We also offer our ground free of charge to local schools to use for daytime fixtures.

Providing memorable experiences for our community

Over the past three seasons, we have invited several local clubs to partake in an IPL-style tournament where young kids are given the chance to enjoy our sport in a completely different way to a regular one-off match. 

The tournament, that has seen U10s, U11s and U12s enjoying the experience of a hardball tournament, features music to walk out to and bursts of songs for boundaries and wickets and announcements throughout the matches.

1714418625__dsc3535.jpg

1715280235_12.jpg

We look to make memories for our players that extend beyond just the playing side and hope to provide experiences and friendships that last a lifetime - not only for the players at our club, but for the players who visit.

1715280307__dsc3324.jpg

Softball tournament

The tournament format was developed last season to softball cricket and we offered 16 sides of six players aged 9 and under for boys, or 11 and under for girls, the experience of playing in a tournament that offered a pathway to a final for stronger sides, but also a festival of cricket with cross-over games for teams made up of players with very little match practice. Some of these children will only have been practising skills in training, so giving them the chance to experience matches in a fun and exciting setting was welcomed by all who participated.

We also sought to provide young people with the chance to have a first taste of umpiring, scoring and managing and encouraged them to have a go at aspects of the game they may not have experienced before, because as we all know, a successful sports club isn't just about the players on the pitch - it's about creating an environment where everyone can thrive, no matter what part of the game they are interested in.

It was a hugely popular event and one that we will be repeating year after year with teams from all over Northamptonshire and Buckinghamshire coming together to learn, enjoy and fall in love with the multitude of positive benefits - social, mental and physical - that our sport brings.

1714419408_softball_tournament.jpg

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! Don't forget to add gift aid to your donation if you can and where it is applicable.

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!

Rewards

This project offers rewards in return for your donation. Please select a reward below.

£20 or more

DUCKETT'S BUCKETS - Bucket Hat (CHILD)

Howzat for a hat?! These bucket hats are offered by none other than former Stony player and ENGLAND TEST STAR Ben Duckett. See here for more info: https://duckettsbuckets.com/collections/ducks/Hat Will be available to collect from the club from 12th July onwards.

£3 or more

Box of Celebrations

Grab yourself a box of super Celebrations and save over £1 on the supermarket prices. Can they last till Christmas... that's the question!

£5 or more

4 of 30 claimed

Handmade Christmas Cards

It may be the middle of summer, but get yourself set with this offer of 2 packs of Christmas Cards (1 x pack of 5 handmade cards + 1 x pack of 8 printed cards) from our friends at Your Perfect Invite. The two packs retail for £13 so you're saving over 50%. These are unique and won't be found on the High Street, so get yourself sorted with this bargain now!

£5 or more

Beer Festival Raffle

Prizes for beer lovers, prizes for cricket lovers, and just generally great prizes! Top 'BEER' prize is a Salter Beer Dispenser worth £150, plus loads of brewery tours and beer merch! Top CRICKET prize is a cricket bat, with an England Jumper, Welsh Fire shirt and a Duckett's Bucket Hat. The top 'GREAT' prize is a Google Home Speaker worth £50. If your ticket is pulled out, let us know if you'd prefer a 'Cricket' prize or a 'Beer' prize.

£6 or more

Inspirational Quote Gift

This will make a lovely gift for a friend of family member. Choose from a number of quotes.

£8 or more

0 of 15 claimed

100-Day Wedding Countdown Tear-Off Calendar

Our 100-Day Wedding Countdown Calendar gives a romantically inspired quote every day in the lead up to the Big Day. This tear-off calendar will delight any engaged couple every day in the run up to their wedding. Retails for £15.95 so this is half price. Will be sent out to the recipient when ordered (ignore the fulfilment date of August) https://yourperfectinvite.co.uk/product/100-day-wedding-countdown-tear-off-calendar/

£10 or more

9 of 11 claimed

Family Day Participation - *Over 40s* v Under 40s

This will give the recipient entry into the OVER 40s team in the afternoon of the club's family day on Sunday 4th August. Will the old'uns or the young'uns get club bragging rights?!

£10 or more

Family Day Participation - Over 40s v *Under 40s*

This will give the recipient entry into the UNDER 40s team in the afternoon of the club's family day on Sunday 4th August. Will the old'uns or the young'uns get club bragging rights?!

£15 or more

9 of 10 claimed

Family Day - Parent & Child Hardball Match (Pair)

This gives the recipient one PARENT & CHILD PAIR entry into our Family Day's Parent & Child match on Sunday 4th August. This is for the hardball game for more confident cricketers and it will start at approx 11am. This will be a great opportunity for parent and child to have some good fun on the pitch together. All genders welcome!

£15 or more

0 of 30 claimed

Regripping Service - Black & Gold

Get your bat regripped by U12 Coach Jon Salt! With expertise and precision, Coach Salt will regrip your bat, enhancing your grip and performance. This specific reward will see your handle regripped in limited edition black and gold club colours. After you purchase, we'll be in touch to arrange a date. Improve your game and contribute to a great cause. Buy your regripping service now and play a part in building better facilities for our team!

£20 or more

A3 Table Plan for your Wedding

Choose from any table plan design on www.yourperfectinvite.co.uk and receive an A3 printed table plan on 300gsm card worth £40. Although the fulfillment date says the end of August, it will of course be ready for whenever your wedding is! Just email [email protected]

£20 or more

40 of 41 claimed

Four-Ball Voucher for Woburn Golf Club WORTH £1080

This is a super opportunity to play a four-ball round of golf at the exclusive Woburn Golf Club. In a prize that is worth up to £1080, a round for four could be yours for as little as £20! This Reward is available at £20 between now and Sunday 16th June. It will raise in price to £30 until the end of June, with the winner being selected in July!

£25 or more

DUCKETT'S BUCKETS - Bucket Hat (ADULT)

Howzat for a hat?! These bucket hats are offered by none other than former Stony player and ENGLAND TEST STAR Ben Duckett. See here for more info: https://duckettsbuckets.com/collections/ducks/Hat Will be available to collect from the club from 12th July onwards.

£25 or more

1-2-1 Coaching Session with Mitch Jimes

This Reward will entitle you to an hour's one-to-one coaching session with one of our coaches, Mitch Jimes. Mitch coaches our U12s and also plays regularly in our senior sides. He will coach your child on all aspects of the game and has specialist knowledge in wicketkeeping.

£30 or more

0 of 16 claimed

End of Season Softball Tournament Entry

This reward secures a spot at our end of season softball celebration on Sunday 25th August; a 16-team tournament for U9 boys and/or U11 girls to put into practice everything they have learned during the year featuring a route to a final, but also cross-over games with a festival feel. With a BBQ, cakes and a guaranteed five matches for every team, this is a tournament not to be missed!

£30 or more

5 of 12 claimed

U10 Softball Tournament

This reward will give your team of six Under 10 boys (or Under 12 girls) the chance to play in our 12-team incrediball tournament on Sunday 14th July. This coincides with the last day of our three-day beer festival. With a BBQ and a games area as well as the in-tournament action, this will be a great day out for all budding cricket players.

£30 or more

0 of 5 claimed

Biab Manicure

Donated by our Diamonds 2XI Captain Holly Arnold, a BIAB manicure uses Builder in a Bottle, a gel-like nail polish, which is applied as an overlay on your natural nails. It works very similarly to a normal gel polish, but as it has a thicker consistency it dries as a strong and durable layer - so you don't have to worry about chipping your brand new nails! Treatment retails for £35, so you're getting a £5 discount here!

£30 or more

Four-Ball Voucher for Woburn Golf Club WORTH £1080

This is a super opportunity to play a four-ball round of golf at the exclusive Woburn Golf Club. In a prize that is worth up to £1080, a round for four could be yours for £30. Draw will be made on our Family and Club Day on Sunday 4th August.

£45 or more

Half Season Softball Membership

This Reward will provide half season membership for the softball section at Stony Stratford CC.

£50 or more

0 of 5 claimed

Design of Business Card with 100 Prints

This reward will provide the recipient with a professional graphic design service for a 55mm x 85mm business card with 100 prints on 300gsm silk card.

£50 or more

0 of 5 claimed

50 A6 Party Invitations

Planning a party? This reward entitles the recipient to the design and print of 50 x A6 Party Invitations from specialist stationers, Your Perfect Invite. The retail price of this reward is £90, so this gives you a £40 discount. Includes C6 envelopes.

£55 or more

0 of 10 claimed

A2 Wedding Table Plan

Choose from any table plan design on www.yourperfectinvite.co.uk and receive an A2 printed table plan on 3mm foamex worth £40. Although the fulfilment date says the end of August, it will of course be ready for whenever your wedding is! Just email [email protected]

£60 or more

0 of 5 claimed

Design of Business Leaflet + Print of 50 A5 Flyers

This reward will provide the recipient with a professional graphic design service for a one-sided or two-sided A5 leaflet with 50 prints on 150gsm silk paper.

£200 or more

16 of 25 claimed

Buy a Brick Campaign

This Reward entitles the recipient to recognition on our exclusive board of just 25 donors. The large board will be displayed at the side of the brand new nets system and will be there for the duration of its lifetime, circa 15 years. A large gratitude board will also be displayed in the clubhouse for the same duration. Thank you messages will be posted onto our Social Media channels once the metaphorical brick has been purchased.

£5 or more

41 of 41 claimed

Race Night Sponsorship - JOCKEY

Become a jockey (metaphorically) at our Race Night for just £5 and get your name in the official printed Race Card on the evening. If your horse wins, then you will win a prize worth £10+!

£5 or more

86 of 86 claimed

Euros Sweepstake

This buys you an entry into the Stony Stratford CC Euros 2024 Sweepstake! Cash prize guaranteed (TBC once entries are received). Enter by 12th June to take part!

£5 or more

4 of 4 claimed

Beer Festival Raffle

This reward gets you 5 tickets into our raffle which will be on offer over the beer festival weekend, 12-14 July. First Prize is either a Cricket Bat or a Salter Beer Dispenser worth £150 (depending on your preference). Additional prizes include tours of Brewpoint Brewery, Vale Brewery and Hook Norton Brewery.

£15 or more

13 of 13 claimed

Family Day - Parent & Child Softball Match (Pair)

This gives the recipient one PARENT & CHILD PAIR entry into our Family Day's Parent & Child match on Sunday 4th August. This is for the softball game for more confident cricketers and it will start at approx 9.30am. This will be a great opportunity for parent and child to have some good fun on the pitch together. All genders welcome!

£20 or more

43 of 43 claimed

Race Night Sponsorship - HORSE

Sponsor a horse for our race night and be in with the chance to win a prize if your horse wins! Receive your name in the official race card for the evening, together with a shout-out on the night. If you're a business, give us your web address or email/phone and we will publicise your business for you!

£50 or more

7 of 7 claimed

Race Night Sponsorship - RACE SPONSOR

Sponsor a race at our Race Night on 15th June and receive a dedicated social media post on all of our channels; Facebook (1.2k followers), X (1.25k followers), Instagram (1.1k followers) and our internal communication platform, Spond (400+ engaged members). You'll also get your business name and website/email address printed in the official race card. A great, cost-effective way for a small business to get in front of a large audience

Got an idea like this?

Over £200 million has been raised from our crowd to support the projects they love! Plus tens of millions more unlocked by our partners.