£61m ECB funding for local clubs
CRICKET clubs and leagues in Greater Manchester and Cheshire are now able to apply to two new funding schemes to help them through the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.
The measures are part of a £61m package from the ECB designed to support the game.
All grassroots cricket has been suspended indefintely due to the coronavirus pandemic and the government’s lockdown rules means clubs are unable to open for social gatherings, leaving many struggling to pay the bills and to even keep going.
The Emergency Loan Scheme allows clubs to apply for up to £5,000 to cover essential day-to-day running and maintenance costs such as security, insurance, utility bills, rent, affiliations, TV and broadband subscriptions, noncoaching or playing staff and IT licences.
The Return to
Cricket Grant Scheme aims to provide clubs and leagues with assistance in ‘exceptional circumstances’, where other potential sources of financial support are not available.
It is open to clubs with an annual turnover of less than £15,000, cricket leagues, or clubs prevented from taking out an emergency loan by their own constitution.
Clubs need to contact their county cricket board to apply.
ECB director of participation and growth Nick Pryde said: “This is a very difficult time for our sport and for everyone involved in the recreational game across England and Wales.
“ECB understands the concerns of everyone involved in cricket and we want to be able to support. We hope that these Emergency Support Measures will be beneficial to you and your club.
“We would like to thank you for your efforts in working for your club, for your league and for the game throughout this difficult period, we understand it hasn’t been easy.
“All of us at ECB will continue to listen to the recreational game and work with you to help support and guide. Together we can help our game overcome this challenge.”