Photo Credit: Cricket Australia
Australia’s professional cricketers will provide $3.5 million from the Grassroots Cricket Fund (GCF) this season to support community cricket and help nurture the next generation of players.
The GCF is a partnership between the Australian Cricketers’ Association and Cricket Australia that will devote as much as $30 million to help grow the game.
Grants of up to $3500 will be made available to clubs and indoor centres that can be used to purchase cricket equipment, support volunteers and help provide the best possible experiences for players.
For the first time, Premier Cricket Clubs and indoor cricket centres will be eligible to apply for GCF grants, an acknowledgment of their important place in community cricket.
Over its four years, the GCF has committed almost $7 million to 2,400 clubs across Australia helping ensure professional players who made their start in community cricket will leave a lasting legacy for the game.
The GCF is also contributing $1 million this season to the Australian Cricket Infrastructure Fund (ACIF). Applications for ACIF grants will open in each state throughout the summer.
Todd Greenberg, Australian Cricketers’ Association’s Chief Executive Officer, said:
“Our players are incredibly proud of their investment into the Grassroots Cricket Fund. The Fund has already provided millions of dollars in equipment and facility grants to clubs throughout Australia that will strengthen grassroots cricket for generations to come,” Greenberg said.
Photo Credit: Twitter profile photo of @Todd_Greenberg
“The players’ investment will help ensure cricket clubs around the country receive much-needed funds after a difficult 18 months, reinforcing the important roles they play in their local communities in providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for players of all abilities, as well as umpires, officials and volunteers.”
Nick Hockley, Cricket Australia’s Chief Executive Officer, said:
“Investing in community facilities and infrastructure is critical to growing cricket as a sport for all. We are delighted to continue to work with the Australian Cricketers’ Association on this initiative and proud of our players who do so much to give back,” Hockley said.
“Volunteers and club administrators are the heartbeat of our game and it is wonderful to see our players supporting them to develop the next generation of cricketers.”
Clubs can head to www.grassrootscricketfund.com.au to apply for a volunteer and equipment support grant and further information about how your club can apply to the ACIF today.
