Sport England - Movement Fund has provided £15,000 of match funding
Northampton Saints CC Changing Room Redevelopment
Northampton, West Northamptonshire, United Kingdom
Aim
We would like to build 1 new changing room & renovate current facilities to make them accessible & welcoming for all club players & visitor
Who are we?
Over the past three years, the club has introduced four new women and girls’ teams and established a thriving girls’ section of approximately 45 players, alongside the continued development of the junior boys’ and men’s pathway. Further growth of the girls’ section is anticipated in the forthcoming season. Across Northamptonshire, there is strong momentum to expand opportunities for women and girls in cricket at both recreational and competitive levels, and the club has fully embedded this within its long-term vision and planning. The ambition of the women and girls’ teams is the driving force behind this project, reflecting the club’s dedication to providing equitable opportunities as increasing numbers of girls participate in both female-only and mixed cricket teams to enhance their playing experience.
The club has developed a talented cohort of county pathway players, with boys and girls representing Northamptonshire from U13 to U18 level. While teams enjoy competitive success, the coaching philosophy remains firmly developmental, encouraging learning through both success and challenge. Players are supported to compete at an appropriate level, with a clear pathway from introductory softball festivals, often a young person’s first experience of competitive cricket, through to hardball cricket for U12–U16 and adult players.
Each year, the club welcomes around 50 young cricketers through the ECB All Stars programme, growing year on year through word of mouth and opportunities delivered through well-established school to club links. Led by adult volunteers, the programme also provides opportunities for older junior players to take on voluntary leadership roles, inspiring new participants and an introduction to coaching. Many participants transition into our junior section, sustaining and building upon the club’s long-term player pathway.
The club regularly opens its facilities for county training and competitions, disability cricket and holiday camps, widening access to cricket throughout the year. Recent investment in high-quality training nets has enhanced coaching provision. The club now seeks to build 1 new changing room and renovate the existing facilities to ensure a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment that supports continued participation and sustainable growth.
Why are we crowdfunding?
We are raising funds to build 1 new changing room and the renovation of existing facilities that will significantly improve the experience of current & future players & visiting teams. The project will create a safer, more welcoming & accessible environment for all players but in particular women & girls’. Enhanced facilities will support safe changing during training, increase participation capacity, and enable more competitive opportunities across recreational & mixed-team cricket to take place at the club ground.
New and improved facilities will go a long way to breaking down barriers to participation, widening opportunities for females & players from ethnically diverse backgrounds, while placing safeguarding at the centre of the club’s development. Safe, modern & accessible facilities for all club members will create strong foundations for sustained growth. No participant should be expected to use inadequate facilities, ensuring equal support & opportunity for all.
How we’ll spend the money raised
It is our intent to use the funding to build 1 new changing room built to new high spec standards and renovate of the 2 existing changing rooms so that they can be comfortably used by any player. The total build costs are anticipated to cost just over £55,000.
We have been SUCCESSFUL in securing £15,000 from Sport England through the Movement fund and £25,000 from the ECB County Grants programme.
To secure the Sport England grant, as a club we are required to match fund this grant award by raising at least £15,000 which is why we have set up this Crowdfunding page.
Community impact
Deeply rooted in its local community, the club offers an affordable, family-friendly environment that welcomes players and supporters of all ages and abilities. Located in an area ranked among the 30% most deprived in the country, the club plays a vital role in providing high-quality, and accessible cricket opportunities for children, young people and adults in Northampton and beyond.
The success of the club is driven by a committed team of volunteers who dedicate significant time, energy and lived experience to support players on and off the field. Their lived experiences are nurturing the next generation of cricketers while ensuring the club’s values, inclusivity and community spirit continue to thrive.
Modern facilities will help break down barriers & challenge stigma by demonstrating that cricket is inclusive, accessible & “for people like me.” The club serves a culturally diverse community, and current changing arrangements do not meet some cultural needs, creating barriers to participation.
How you can play your part
We would like as many people as possible to benefit from the new and renovated changing room at the earliest opportunity, so set ourselves a challenge of making our dream a reality during the summer cricket season 2026!!! Therefore, our Crowdfunding page will be live for just 6 weeks – we have such an incredible club community that we are confident that you will all get behind us to make this dream come true…
There are three simple ways to help us reach our target and make this project a reality;
1. Make a pledge | Don't delay if you are going to support us because we would love to achieve our ambitious challenge of opening the new and renovated changing facilities to player this summer season!!
2. Spread the word | Share our project on your social media pages and tell the world about to get behind us! The more people we reach the more support we will get...a couple of minutes of your time could have a lasting impact on so many of our club members!
3. Offer rewards | Get involved if you a local business or club member by donating things we can offer to our supporters.
This project successfully funded on 15th April 2026