Howzat For Progress? Stalybridge Cricket Club Right On Track To Build New Nets

Plans to develop a two-lane netting facility at Stalybridge Cricket Club are developing rapidly.

In a bid to retain the current crop of members and entice new players to the club, Stalybridge decided the time had come to invest in new nets at Gorse Hall Road.

In order to get the ball rolling, Stalybridge were required to raise a certain percentage of money towards the nets in line with the English Cricket Board's proposals.

Thankfully, following months of fundraising initiatives, including a Hawaiian themed party, the club reached the desired target and the next stages of development are underway, thanks to a grant from SUEZ Communities Trust.

The facility will be used by all age groups and has proved to be invaluable to the development of players at other clubs in the borough, including Ashton Cricket Club.

It's welcome news for junior coach Adam Harwick, who feels the club is right on track for a bright future. Speaking to Reporter Sport, he said: “The funds have been raised through the crowdfunder, and we’ve just gone through a grant application with SUEZ Communities Trust, so that grant has been approved and we’ve pretty much got the funding to move into the next part of the projects.”

The club's commitment to retaining the younger players has continued during the winter months, with players assembling at Astley Sports Village on Sunday evenings for training sessions.

Stalybridge’s efforts to engage youngsters was rewarded with a prestigious award last year, as Adam, second team vice-captain, scooped the ECB Connecting Communities award in 2021.

Such has been the reaction from the local community, and with more juniors flocking to the club, there are plans to expand even further next season, with two, Under 13 squads in the pipeline.

Commenting on the junior training sessions, Adam said:  “Last year we went to Total Cricket in Ashton, and we managed to keep our players interested with good numbers turning out. “We thought we would do the same this year, and thankfully it’s kept the under 19s together.

“We know it’s hard to get players out on a Sunday night, but with using Astley as our venue, we’ve been able to use four lanes which has helped a lot as some of our seniors can train as well.”