The South Australian Cricket Association has this week confirmed a series of grants to a total of 57 community cricket clubs and associations across the state.
Funding of up to $5,000 for each club has been confirmed, and has been prioritised to associations and clubs who have worked alongside stakeholders to plan developments. New centre wickets, artificial turf surfaces, and the upgrading of major training and practice facilities were the focus of this round of funding.
This season saw a significant increase in the amount of funding applied for, as many clubs and associations are becoming more strategic with their facility planning.
The funding is part of SACA’s Club Facilities Grant Program, which has been made available following the $535 million redevelopment of Adelaide Oval. Many clubs also sought joint funding through the State Government’s Office for Recreation and Sport, and implemented plans with their association or local council on larger projects to improve facilities.
“Over the last two seasons, 130 cricket clubs have received funding from SACA towards improving and developing their facilities, with over $1.5 million in project works completed. This season saw an increased strategic approach to funding allocations, with priority given to major projects where club and stakeholder contributions demonstrated joint planning,” said Shane Bernhardt, SACA General Manager Cricket Operations.
“By working with associations and clubs through targeted facilities planning, SACA’s financial support in 2014/15 will substantially grow investment in cricket facilities; in this year alone, total planned works is in excess of $1.2m.
“This increased leverage has helped to inspire and support our tireless volunteers, while assisting to attract new players and retain current participants. By helping these clubs to realise their dreams, we will be able to improve the experience for all cricket participants and ensure that all South Australians are able to access the game.”
Country cricket associations have continued to embrace the SACA’s Facility Grant Program, with several clubs receiving widespread funding this season.
In one of the most significant projects, Angaston Cricket Club is commencing a major project in converting their synthetic centre wicket to turf. This will mean every club in the Barossa area will have access to turf wickets, providing an excellent playing experience for cricketers in the region.
In the Mid and Upper North regions of the state, Belalie Mannanarie, Central/Stirling, Melrose, Sevenhill, Southport, Warnertown and Lower North Cricket Clubs will receive funding, including Spalding Cricket Club who is combining with other local sporting clubs, the Office of Recreation & Sport and the Northern Areas Council to fund a new major sporting complex for the community.
Metropolitan clubs also picked up some much needed funding, including Central United, Coromandel Valley Ramblers, Fulham, Ingle Farm, Mitchell Park, Morphettville Park, Para Hills, Payneham, Pooraka, Port Noarlunga, South Road, Warradale, Woodcroft and Woodville Rechabites. Major projects at Coromandel, Hope Valley and Unley were also allocated funding to create new training areas.
Successful applications were aimed at increasing opportunities for cricket participation, including boosting the provision of junior and senior player development programs. Projects include artificial turf on concrete wickets, new concrete and turf pitches, clubroom upgrades, new training facilities and improvements for practice nets.
A full list of recipients is available here.