Two fixed net frames and nets are in place at East Bierley. These are used by the juniors and their coaches at their weekly coaching sessions. However the grass strips have been built on a rubble strewn area making it unsafe especially for young children. The junior committee, mostly parents, are looking to replace the surface with proper all weather matting cricket strips.

What we'll deliver:

• Provide two all weather strips for use of the junior cricketers.
• Enhance the provision of good safe coaching for juniors
• Open the sport to more girls and boys in the local area

Why it's a great idea:

The provision of junior cricket at East Bierley has blossomed in the past three years. Junior practice night takes place on Monday nights during the summer. In 2019 there have been 40 to 50 girls and boys turning up to play cricket, have fun, develop team spirit and a sense of community and social awareness. They also make friends across the wide age range represented. The whole cricket field is put to use for this, but the junior nets are used for the more serious youngsters who can be coached without any risk to other players. The coaches are aware however that the present surface is very uneven and could cause balls to bounce in unpreditable and possibly dangerous ways. The weather this year has caused several nights to be cancelled, or made the present nets unsafe for them to use. All weather strips will make the area safe, provide continued coaching when the ground is wet and make the facility available to a wider range of ages.

Steps to get it done:

• To provide the all weather strips during the closed season ready for use in April 2020

Three or four years ago only a small number of chilren would enroll for junior cricket. The numbers have grown dramatically since then. enough to provide under 9, Under 11 and under 15 teams. These are all mixed boys and girls teams. It is expected that next year we will have an all girls team in addition to the present ones. This puts pressure on the facilities and the coaches who wish to give the best experience possible. By continuing to improve the facilities the club can attract more coaches and youngsters to participate in a healthy outdoor activity.