Gloucestershire Echo

First class funding from housebuild­er to cricketers

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ALADIES cricket team has scored a funding boost from a leading housebuild­er. Moreton-in-marsh CC Ladies has been awarded £1,000 after being selected by Persimmon Homes Wessex as one of its monthly Community Champions.

The team is in its first year and was formed with the aim of encouragin­g local women and girls to try a new sport - one which is traditiona­lly male - and improve both their physical fitness and mental wellbeing.

Over the summer the club has recruited over 15 members, ranging from 13 to over 60 years’ old, and competes in local league games.

The funding will be used to purchase club-branded women’s playing and training kit, and new equipment such as bats, helmets, pads and gloves.

The support has been made through Persimmon’s Community Champions scheme which has handed out more than £5m to good causes across Great Britain since its launch, and donates up to £64,000 across the country every month.

Madi Pavey-edwards, captain of the team, said: “This is the first full season for Moreton-in-marsh ladies team, and it’s proved a resounding success.

“Our goal this year has been all about participat­ion - attracting new members and providing opportunit­ies for everyone to take part in this brilliant sport and have fun.

“We’ve built a squad of over 15 members, ranging from 13 to over 60 years’ old, and the club provides a welcoming and inclusive environmen­t for players at all levels.

“Next year we want to continue our progressio­n by purchasing our own club-branded women’s playing and training kit, together with new equipment such as bats, helmets, pads and gloves.

“Persimmon’s generous donation will make a huge difference in helping us achieve this aim and progress our exciting cricketing journey; we are extremely grateful for their support.”

Persimmon Homes Wessex Sales Director, Pauline Fletcher, said: “Moreton-in-marsh Cricket Club displayed all the qualities that make a perfect Community Champion.

“The club is making great strides on and off the field, and we are proud to support such an inclusive and welcoming organisati­on.

“Persimmon’s Community Champions initiative donates up to £64,000 to groups across Great Britain every month, to help support people and communitie­s, break down barriers and increase opportunit­y for all.

“The ladies team in Moreton-inmarsh

has had a fantastic formative year and we hope this donation will allow the team to continue its developmen­t in the years to come.”

Moreton-in-marsh ladies team will also be undertakin­g a sponsored ‘bata-thon’ in September (an eight-hour batting relay in the practice nets) to raise a target of £500 for additional training equipment.

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