SCCC Top Pavillion refurb and Hybrid Pitches

Aim

Raising funds to refurbish the Top Pitch pavilion and install hybrid pitches on both pitches at Abbeydale.

Who are we?

Sheffield Collegiate Cricket Club (SCCC), based at Abbeydale Sports Club in Sheffield, is one of the most distinguished and successful cricket clubs in the region.

We are fortunate to boast a large and dynamic junior section, an ever‑growing women’s programme, which this season welcomes the introduction of our Women’s 2nd XI, and a strong senior setup with seven men’s sides: five Saturday teams, a Sunday XI, and a Midweek team. Together, they create a wonderful blend of youth and experience, with players of all ages making use of Abbeydale every week in the summer. 

Our junior and senior pathways have produced two England captains, Joe Root and Michael Vaughan, as well as leading international umpire Richard Kettleborough and county cricketer Billy Root.

Why are we crowdfunding?

Over the past few years, SCCC has made major strides in improving our facilities, including significant investment in our new nets. With our membership growing and demand on our grounds increasing every season, our next essential step is to refurbish the neglected Top Pitch pavilion and install hybrid wickets on both pitches.

These improvements require substantial financial resources. While we continue to work hard behind the scenes, like many community clubs we face increasing pressures. We want to continue supporting the rich and diverse fabric of SCCC: our senior men’s sides, our fast‑growing women’s and girls’ sections, our thriving junior age groups, as well as the many community sides, schools, regional and county programmes who rely on Abbeydale. Hosting everything from junior festivals to Yorkshire CCC 2nd XI matches brings huge benefits to our players and the wider Sheffield cricketing community.

However, with the loss of nearby facilities such as the HSBC Sports Ground, the strain on Abbeydale has grown significantly. Hybrid pitches will allow far more matches to be played safely and reliably across both squares, while a refurbished Top Pitch pavilion will give all players, families and visitors a much‑improved experience. 

At the same time, the club faces rising operational costs, increasing by nearly 20% this year. Membership and match fees cover only around half our income, and unlike many clubs we receive no financial return from bar revenue. We are incredibly grateful to our sponsors, including SMH, Emprise Group, Gripple, Barmy Army, School Road Dental Practice and many supportive local businesses, who help us bridge the gap.

To achieve our goals this year, raise standards, and meet growing demand across all sections, we need the support of our wider community more than ever. This crowdfunding campaign is our chance to come together as a club, as players and families, as alumni, and as friends of SCCC, to secure the facilities we need for the future.

How we’ll spend the money raised

Every penny raised through this campaign will go directly towards improving our facilities at Abbeydale to benefit all sections of Sheffield Collegiate Cricket Club, juniors, seniors, women and girls and visitors.

1. Refurbishing the Top Pitch Pavilion

We want to transform the long‑neglected pavilion into a much more welcoming and functional space for players, officials and spectators. The plan is to extend into the storeroom and reconfigure the space. We want to add a third changing room to support our mixed teams , install new showers and toilets , even one for spectators! Additionally, we plan to install a kitchenette to enhance hospitality, provide an umpires changing room, better scorers facilities and hopefully some natural light!

The ECB grant gives us a head start, but we must raise additional funds to complete the full refurbishment to the standard everyone using the facility deserves. 

2. Installing Hybrid Pitches on Both Squares

Hybrid pitches contain only 5% artificial grass, so they behave like a normal wicket . However, they wear  significantly less, provide consistent  bounce and both drain and dry faster, enabling 3/4 times as much cricket on each wicket. 

 With the number of games played on each square increasing, hybrid wickets are vital for us to be able to facilitate all those games. Your support will help fund the installation of four hybrid wickets, two on the bottom pitch and two on the top. 

How you can play your part

Whether you’ve worn the SCCC badge, watched your children grow through our junior ranks, or simply love what the club brings to the community, your support will make a genuine difference. 

1. Make a Donation

Every contribution, big or small, helps us get closer to our goal. Your donation goes directly towards the pavilion refurbishment and installation of hybrid pitches. 

2. Share Our Campaign

Spreading the word is just as valuable as donating. Please share the campaign with family, friends, teammates and colleagues, especially those who have a connection to the club or cricket in Sheffield. The wider the reach, the greater the impact.

3. Support Through Your Business

If you own or work for a business that might be able to sponsor, donate materials, or offer services, we’d love to hear from you. Corporate support plays a huge role in helping us bridge the funding gap.

By playing your part today, you’re helping us create better facilities, more cricketing opportunities, and a stronger future for everyone associated to SCCC. Thank you for supporting the next chapter of our club's story. 

Funding method

Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made by 17th June 2026 at 3:15pm