Clubhouse cash boost for Eckington cricketers

Eckington Cricket Club has received a significant boost with a £40,000 grant from the Tarmac via the Landfill Communities Fund, to finance the fit-out costs of its new clubhouse.

In September, work started on the demolition of the former clubhouse and the construction of the new, two-storey clubhouse.

This new facility is being built by Eckington Cricket Club members and tradesmen within the club and is expected to be completed in time for the new cricket season.

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The construction is being part-financed by Sport England as part of the Inspired Facilities Fund.

The club has now received this further £40,000 grant, which allows the newly constructed clubhouse to be completed internally and fitted out.

ECC chairman Andy Vaughan said: “We are very grateful to Sport England and Tarmac who have donated via the Landfill Communities Fund for the funding we have been awarded.

“Without this funding the new clubhouse wouldn’t be possible and the very survival of Eckington Cricket Club was threatened.

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“I would also like to recognise and thank all of our members who have bound-together to build the new facility.

“It’s heart-warming to see several generations of the same family building our new clubhouse.

“It’s so much more than a new building for us and it’s made much more special knowing that it’s our cricketing family that is building it, brick by brick. I can’t describe the bulging pride I have in Eckington Cricket Club.”

Charles Johnson, of Sport England, said: “The Inspired Facilities Fund has had a huge impact on grassroots sport across the country.

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“Since 2011 we’ve invested £102m into more than 1,920 projects to improve and refurbish sports clubs and transform non-sporting venues into vibrant community sports clubs.

“It’s great to see Eckington Cricket Club join this long list of successful clubs to benefit from this fund.”

Nigel Brooke, estates surveyor at Tarmac, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to have been able to contribute towards a great project which will provide so many benefits to the local community.

“Engaging with the local communities in which we operate is something we strive to do across our business and opportunities like this are perfect for getting involved and offering support.”