Refurbishment of playing and social facilities.

Our Story

Whitley Bay Cricket club was formed in 1926 and moved to its present ground in the mid 1960's.

Over the years we have maintained the provision of Cricket for the local community and have provided opportunities for all to play with many players going on to represent the league and county. In the past we have had the services of players such as Nicky Boje, Ryan Cunningham (both of whom played International Cricket) and visiting players such as Dave McKay (brother of Australian bowler Clint McKay). We continue to play at a good level and use our 2nd XI and friendly teams to blood new young players whilst maintaining a provision for players who are over 50.

The past year has been challenging due to COVID however on the return to play we were lucky enough to pick up 10 players, who enjoyed the game, but had never played senior cricket this not only helped the club to sustain 2 Saturday teams but also allowed us to field a Midweek friendly team. 

 Our aim for 2021 is to re-establish a junior section which will help with the Physical activity deficit that many young people endured during lock down and will help with their social and emotional health which has been impacted during the restrictions imposed through the tiers and restrictions within education.

Our Project

We are looking to refurbish our facilities in order to improve the experience for our members, potential junior members, new members and the visitors who play here each week. The impact will be a facility that the local community can be proud of and invest in by means of usage, playing and as a social hub for the local proximity.

We are an inclusive club that needs to attract new members into out community and we have identified the refurbishment as one means that would make the club a more pleasant place to play.

COVID Impact

Throughout the year we have a strong social scene which has been devastated by COVID. The club relies upon members and the local community to help provide the money for improvements and we would look to use these funds to not only redevelop but also provide a sporting provision for future generations. There is however good news from this year - the first lock down allowed us to start to improve the facilities and a small band of volunteers took it upon themselves to renovate the pitch, re clad the pavilion and paint the inside. The committee worked with the local council and are now in the position that a new 25 year lease is about to be signed.

Who will do the work 

All the work will be completed by a team of volunteers, already in place, to help establish a solid platform for our adult teams and provide a provision for Juniors - better, safer place to play and more desirable for both the Juniors and adults.

The Future

These are unprecedented times but together, we are stronger, and the response is coming from you and the local community can both make the club stronger and more sustainable meaning that WBCC will be here to celebrate not only it's 100 year anniversary in 2026 but many years beyond.

Thank you.