A New Era for Girls’ Cricket: South Shields Cricket Club’s Crowdfunding Success”

In April 2024, South Shields Cricket Club embarked on a mission to sustain and build on their thriving girls’ section. To achieve this, they launched a Crowdfunder campaign to hire a full-time, experienced female coach for the season. The campaign was a resounding success, raising £25,000 from over 140 supporters, with additional match funding from Sport England.

Crowdfunder caught up with Patrick from South Shields Cricket Club to gain any insights on this remarkable journey. Patrick explained, “We managed to get £10,000 match-fund from Sport England for all four projects, which has transformed our club.” The application process was straightforward, involving setting up a Crowdfunder page to highlight the club’s needs and goals.

This latest campaign marks the fourth time South Shields Cricket Club has successfully utilized the Crowdfunder platform. Previous projects included funding new artificial pitches, purchasing new equipment, and compensating for losses incurred during the COVID-19 pandemic. The club’s consistent success with crowdfunding is a testament to the effectiveness of this fundraising method.

Patrick particularly praised Crowdfunder’s customer service, stating, “Crowdfunder’s customer service is amazing. They are helpful, articulate, and always explain clearly what needs to be done.” He also highlighted the invaluable support from Sport England, who advised on improving the Crowdfunder page to attract more supporters.

A key strategy in their success was utilizing rewards to attract supporters. “You can use things you’ve already got, like memberships, club clothing, and awards. This gives you a good basic start,” Patrick shared. Engaging the local community, including parents, supporters, and contacts, was crucial in expanding their reach and securing additional support.

The impact of the campaign on the club has been profound. Patrick noted, “We’ve got the same equipment as Durham County Cricket Club. The improvement in our ground, the quick outfield, and better wickets are incredible.” He credits Crowdfunder with giving them the momentum and confidence to pursue ambitious projects, resulting in a happier and more vibrant club environment.

One of the most significant outcomes of the campaign has been the growth of the girls’ section. “Our girls’ section has exploded. We now have almost as many girls as boys, thanks to Crowdfunder,” Patrick said. The club even managed to bring in an overseas international women’s cricketer to coach the girls, further enhancing their development.

The story of South Shields Cricket Club is a testament to the power of community and the impact of crowdfunding. By harnessing local support and utilizing platforms like Crowdfunder, the club has not only improved their facilities but also empowered young female cricketers and created a brighter future for the sport in their area.

If you want to learn more about crowdfunding for your local sports club, visit the Crowdfunder Sports Hub.