Thanks to the efforts of a fundraising campaign a west Dorset cricket club has raised more than £9,000 in just three weeks to support the grassroots game.
Beaminster Cricket Club set out to collect £8,000 in donations to help subsidise the club’s youth training programme, support running costs and contribute towards improving their facilities.
The campaign has smashed its target by more than £1,300 so far having brought in a total of £9,355 - much to the delight of the sports club.
Ross Baker, chairman of Beaminster Cricket Club and youth co-ordinator has praised the support shown towards the club, he said: "This is a fantastic achievement, we are extremely grateful to the generosity of our supporters.
“The money raised by the campaign will make a huge difference to our club, we will be able to further invest in our academy which offers a training and mentoring programme for young people and by improving our facilities, we will be able to drive up playing standards and open up cricket to many more people.
“A huge thank you to all those who have helped us.”
More than twenty-five generous businesses have backed the cause, alongside community pledges and a £2400 grant from Sport England’s Return to Play: Active Together scheme.
Beaminster Cricket Club can now move forward and plan for a sustainable future thanks to the donations.
The campaign also received endorsement from the High Sheriff of Dorset, Michael Dooley, who is also an advisor to the England and Wales Cricket Board.
He said: “Clubs such as Beaminster Cricket Club matter for so many reasons, they play an important role in keeping people active and in improving both their physical and mental wellbeing and they build stronger communities.
“Through their youth development programme, the Beaminster cricket academy helps local young people channel their energies and interests, and nurtures their ambition and aspirations, offering a starting point in discovering bright new sporting talent.
“I very much look forward to following the progress of all the young cricketers coming through the academy for many years to come.”
For more information about the club, including how to get involved visit - www.beaminstercricket.co.uk
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