The future for any cricket club lies in its success at recruiting and retaining players. Investing in facilities that stand the test the time gives clubs the competitive edge when it comes to ‘growing the game’

A future-proof investment…

It’s an exciting time for cricket. The tagline #growthegame is a rallying call for clubs from grassroots to first class to engage with keen new audiences; encouraging youth and community participation and embracing the fast-growing women’s and girls’ game.

Recruiting and retaining players – and non-playing members – has always been key to the longevity of any club, but with competition fierce it’s never been more important to have the right facilities to help attract new members. Burgeoning youth sides and the addition of women’s and girls’ teams but extra pressure on the ground (and, in turn, the grounds team) to ensure there is enough space for everyone to enjoy coaching and match play. Here we take a look at facilities from market leader total-play Ltd that can help give you the extra space you need to grow.

Practise makes perfect…

A great way of providing the additional space required is by investing in artificial practice facilities. Over the years, total-play Ltd has designed and installed literally hundreds of non-turf facilities for clubs of all sizes across the country; from single-lane, open facilities to multi-lane, fully-enclosed systems with security fencing and floodlights. Each facility is tailored to the individual clients’ needs based on space, budget and requirement yet meets the ECB’s rigorous performance standards. They include Ashtead CC, where the team recently installed a 2 lane ECB approved practice facility to help the club support an influx of new members as club president, Richard Laudy, explained:

“Total-play’s spec was state-of-the-art and feedback from other clubs was positive. The process was very straightforward, with excellent support from total-play. Without them, we would not have had sufficient practice facilities for our women and girls.”

Meanwhile at Old Hill CC in Cradley Heath, where total-play carried out extensive refurbishment works back in 2020 to bring the club’s 20-year-old nets back up to scratch, the upgraded facilities had a direct impact on growing the club’s youth contingent according to Club Captain & Chairman, Johanthan Wright:

“I’d happily recommend total-play to clubs looking to refurbish practice net facilities. Communication throughout the project was great; they are a truly professional outfit and the installation guys were very helpful & efficient.

“The finished system has had a hugely positive response – it takes the burden of practice away from the main grass square and the Juniors are especially getting a lot of use out of it which has, in turn, attracted more Junior members.”

‘Get the game on’ with artificial wickets

When it comes to competitive play, the addition of an artificial match wicket to the square can significantly increase the number of fixtures a club can hold. Designed to mimic the performance of a well-prepared grass wicket, total-play’s match pitches carry full ECB approval. They provide a balanced game between bat and ball whilst encouraging the spinner; resulting in a safe and consistent artificial surface for cricket matches and practice sessions – all year round.

Not only do they take pressure off the wickets on the natural table but, due to being virtually maintenance-free, allow clubs to drastically increase their fixture and training list without adding to the workload of the grounds team.

Invest in the best…

For clubs looking to invest in facilities for the future, total-play Ltd brings almost two decades’ experience in the design and construction of both natural and artificial turf facilities. The first supplier to gain ECB Code of Practice Installer status, they have developed no less than six ECB approved non-turf pitch system designs; offering unrivalled choice.

System components carry class-leading warranties and many of the company’s earliest facilities are still in active use well into their second decade. A comprehensive ‘Lifecycle Maintenance’ scheme ensures elements such as netting, carpets and shockpads are replaced as wear starts to show; giving total-play systems a new lease of life at a point where others may be in need of complete replacement.

In addition to designing and installing brand new facilities, the refurbishment of existing facilities to ‘better than new’ performance is a speciality.

Speak to the #cricketpitchexperts

If your club is looking to invest in its future and #growthegame why not get in touch? total-play has helped hundreds of clubs bring vision to reality; working with them from initial site visit through planning and funding advice to constriction and beyond. And, with reference sites nationwide, there’s ample opportunity to visit clubs happy to show you around their total-play facility and share their experience.

To find out more, visit www.total-play.co.uk email [email protected] or call 01604 864 575