Lincolnshire cricketers receive boost with completion of grass renovation works at Sobraon Barracks Cricket Ground and new lease agreement
Lincolnshire Cricket, its staff, players and supporters are celebrating after receiving a grant for the renovation of the square and outfield at the former Sobraon Barracks Cricket Ground and securing a new 25-year lease agreement with the City of Lincoln Council, providing a valuable boost to cricket in the county and setting the organisation up for ongoing success.
Lincolnshire Cricket was awarded a grant of £87,904 from the Grass Pitch Improvement Fund (GPIF), financed by the Sport England Lottery Fund and administered by the England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB).
The Grass Pitch Improvement Fund aims to tackle inequalities by providing improved access to good quality, safe playing facilities for targeted groups, such as women and girls, ethnically diverse communities, disabled cricketers and low socio-economic groups, and will help to ensure an improved experience for cricketers in the county.
Lincolnshire Cricket can now call the site its home, with it being predominantly used for its Women’s team, County Age Group (CAG) girls’ teams and younger CAG boys’ teams playing their matches at the ground.
The new Barracks County Ground will also be used for community initiatives, school engagement and National Youth Programmes, Women’s Soft Ball matches & act as a home for the county’s S9 & D40 Disability Cricket programmes.
The organisation’s full-time staff will also be able to work from the pavilion on non-match days.
Martyn Dobson, CEO at Lincolnshire Cricket, said: “We’re proud of our role in facilitating cricket opportunities for all, and this latest milestone in our organisation’s journey is a huge one to allow us to do this and improve how we operate for the good of the game in Lincolnshire.
“Cricket is such an incredible sport with amazing powers to bring together all walks of life. Our thanks go to Sport England and the ECB for providing financial support and we look forward to many years of success to come at our new headquarters.”
Bruce Cruse, Director of Facilities at the ECB, said: “We’re always delighted to be able to support grassroots cricket and we’re delighted to have provided funding for this project with Lincolnshire Cricket.
“Our focus is on making cricket the most welcoming and inclusive sport. New and improved grass pitch facilities help to do exactly that by providing a brilliant space for all members of the community to play or watch sport and develop friendships that last for life.”
Cllr Rebecca Longbottom, Portfolio Holder for Remarkable Place at City of Lincoln Council, said: “We are thrilled to be partnering with Lincolnshire Cricket Ltd to bring this facility back into use.
“The redevelopment will not only promote the playing of cricket within the city, but will also strengthen our wider sports offering, with a special focus on women & girls’ participation.
“This project provides real long-term value to the community.”