Community Unites to Save Kingsley Cricket Club

A local cricket club facing uncertainty has received an outpouring of community support, successfully raising around £30,000 in just over two months.

Kingsley Cricket Club initiated a campaign earlier this summer aimed at securing funds to purchase its home ground, The Croft. The current owners are retiring and have set a deadline of January 14 next year for the sale.

Community Support Floods In

In addition to crowdfunding efforts, the club plans to take out a loan to cover most of the remaining purchase cost.

"We are incredibly grateful and humbled by the support we’ve received so far," said club chairman Paul Betteridge. "We’re optimistic about securing the finances needed to ensure our club's survival."

Reflecting on the club’s rich history, Betteridge added, "We’ve looked back at photos and memories from our 15-month journey to acquire the ground. They showcase thousands of smiling faces, from children enjoying the game to families sharing the joy of cricket. This provides us with ample motivation to protect such a significant community asset for future generations."

A Hub of Activity

Kingsley Cricket Club features 12 teams, catering to players of all ages—from young participants in the All-Stars program to men’s, women’s, and girls’ teams.

This year marks a successful season for the club, where both the men’s first XI and the women’s softball team secured victory in their respective divisions.

Ellie Keenan, the club’s fundraising officer, emphasized the club’s integral role in village life. She remarked, "The cricket club has been a cornerstone of Kingsley for over 55 years. It not only offers cricket throughout the season but also serves as a gathering spot for the community, complete with a bar."

"In past years, we've hosted events like a beer festival in September, which has played a big role in fostering community spirit and social interaction."

Keenan added that multiple generations have enjoyed growing up in and around the club, with members now bringing their own children to partake in the sport. She warned, "The thought of losing the cricket club would be a huge loss not only for players but for the social fabric of our village."

Future Aspirations

If the funding campaign succeeds, there are plans not only to continue existing cricket activities but also to explore new opportunities. Keenan expressed hopes that, once ownership is secured, the club could accommodate additional sports and host more community events.

"Once we have ownership of The Croft, we'll have the flexibility to expand our role within the community and attract more events and activities, especially during the winter months. Our potential is much greater once the ground is ours,” he stated.

The fundraising campaign remains active for further community contributions at crowdfunder.co.uk/p/help-to-save-kcc.