New Permanent Practice Nets

Aim

B&ECC has to replace the old practice net with a new, permanent 2-lane artificial net for the expanding junior section & all cricketers

Who are we?

The Boughton & Eastwell Cricket Club, formed in 1798 with strong historical roots, is dedicated to fostering a sustainable and inclusive cricketing environment for all ages. As a charitable organisation, its mission is to ensure the long-term vitality of cricket in the community, emphasising values such as teamwork, fitness, fun, and inclusivity. We are also encouraging more participation from girls and women.

The club boasts a vibrant cricketing community, comprising:
Two Mixed Adult Teams - offering competitive and friendly matches for various skill levels. Four Colt Teams - catering to youth aged 6 to 16, nurturing the next generation of cricket enthusiasts. A Women's Team, developing new players of all ages and ability, with coaching, softball matches and hardball development.

Why are we crowdfunding?

Having fundraised and rebuilt the pavilion, the Club now desperately needs to replace the old practice net facility with a purpose-built, permanent 2-lane artificial practice net. This requires the excavation of the existing base, relaying the substructure and a new synthetic surface, with new cages and netting.

The nets will be used to assist coaching sessions with the growing number of young people aged 6-16 within the club, along with senior practice sessions and visiting teams preparing for matches.

The increased number of ladies and girls participating in coaching and matches will also benefit from this new net facility, assisting coaches to help develop their skills and confidence.

Not only will the new nets be a valuable resource to the organised training sessions at the club, but will encourage the juniors to come and practice at other times. The Club wants to develop junior players (the club's future) and provide more facilities for the community.

How we’ll spend the money raised

The money raised through Crowdfunder will all go towards the cost of the installation of this new facility. We have gained the support of Sport England who will match funding up to £10,000 pounds. The club is installing an approved net system with a durable base and professional standard surfaces that will serve the club for many years. The total cost of the project will be in excess of £20,000.

An image of a new two-lane net facility proposed:

B&ECC has been expanding the junior section of the club, aided by the new pavilion facilities and outreach with local schools. We have dozens of junior players at training on Saturday mornings and these nets will give the opportunity to coach better batting and bowling technique. In addition, we have seen an increased number of ladies and girls looking to play cricket, with regular training sessions and matches being organised. The new net facility will be of great benefit to all cricketers within the club, along with visiting teams of all ages.
B&E Cricket Club is a registered charity (1189809) and is run by volunteers. The club wants to grow and continue to offer high quality coaching to the young people of Boughton Aluph, Ashford and surrounding villages.

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 by 29th October 2026 at 4:01pm