South Shields CC Crowdfunder 2022

Aim

To purchase new equipment to replace what was storm damaged and build on the impact of Crowdfunder 2021 with our thriving Junior section.

Why we are running Crowdfunder again?

Following the success of last year’s “Hit COVID for Six” campaign, South Shields Cricket Club is asking for our supporters to back this season’s campaign, where we seek to build on the massive impact of  the project had on our junior section last year and address the damage caused by Storms “Arwen” and “Ciara”.

2021 Crowdfunder Impact

New ground equipment transforms playing surface

Our Crowdfunder 2021 campaign generously match funded by Sport England, headed our efforts to raise desperately needed funds to replace our ancient and unreliable ground equipment in the aim to improve the playing surface and capacity for junior cricket. We are delighted to say our wildest dreams were exceeded as a procession of grants were secured from Suez Limited Trust, Banks Community Foundation, Readers Family Trust and Sir James Knott Trust.  To the delight of our hardworking volunteer ground staff, we were able to purchase a new tractor, outfield mower and two wicket cutters.  This saw an immediate improvement in the quality of the outfield and allowed our volunteer ground staff to add extra junior wickets to our square.

 New junior strips added to the square since last summer

Mass influx of new juniors and success of Girls Only sessions

The timing was perfect as coincided with the school holidays where we held three all day camps each week to meet the demands of all the enthusiastic young cricketers who had been attracted to the club in the summer.  

Due to the hard work of our volunteer coaches, over 140 primary aged children were introduced to cricket at the club, including more than 50 girls.  The vast majority of these children engaged regularly throughout the summer and such was the development of some of our new players that they featured in the Under 9 Hardball County Cup Final (Harry Hubber Cup).

Girls Summer Camp 2021 Day Six

Under 11/13 Hardball Camp 2021 Day Five

Under 9s Harry Hubber Cup Final 2021

 Girls Inter Club Fathers Day Festival

As a club, we were delighted to provide free clothing, kit and  places at camps for children from disadvantaged circumstances while funding 40 free places out of a record 118 All Stars and continuing to provide free club membership for all Under 11s.

Parental feedback

Our end of summer new parents survey produced overwhelming positive feedback about the significant impact on not only their children's physical, mental and social health but their own. Parental comments were extremely humbling, including

“My child has thoroughly enjoyed participating in cricket. It has improved her social skills, concentration levels and she has learnt the importance of being a team player. Both her physical and mental health has improved and she is less frustrated and angry, I believe this is down to the improvement in her self esteem and self confidence. She is able to channel her energy into sport where she can see her progress. I believe this is down to the well organised training, strong skills and dedication of the coaching team.”

Obviously, the vast influx of juniors while very welcome has increased the running costs of the junior section with the club fielding extra Under 9, Under 11 and U13 teams this season along with our first ever Girls Under 11 hardball team. We are one of only four clubs to enter a team in the Durham Cricket Board Junior League Under 11 Girls Hardball League and only one to enter two teams in the Under 11 Girls Softball League. It is imperative that this momentum is maintained as we build on our campaign to get as many children on the community regularly active and socialising after COVID.  

Storm damage over the winter

The desire for extra funding was then compounded by the damage of Storms “Arwen” and “Ciara” to our club house and cricket equipment, in particular our covers and sight screens. The loss of the clubhouse roof has prevented the club holding it's planned fundraising events there over the winter and will likely prevent anymore happening there this summer.  The revenue from these events  are so vital for the running of the club, and ensuring that we have the capacity to provide our thriving juniors with every opportunity to continue to reap all the physical, social and mental benefits they can from being part of the club.

 Our clubhouse after Storm Arwen

Our covers in neighbouring Wood Terrace courtesy of Storm Ciara 

 Our storm damaged sightscreens that need replacing

This is a vital season for the club if we are going to fully build on the success of last year's Crowdfunder. Thank you in advance for your support.

This project successfully funded on 16th May 2022