Who are we?
We are a passionate group of cricketers who, together form Appleton CC, a friendly cricket club in Appleton, Oxfordshire. Our goal is to promote the sport of cricket and provide a platform for players of all skill levels to improve their game and have fun.
Our club has been around for over 100 years and ever since, we have been dedicated to fostering a positive and inclusive environment for players of all ages and backgrounds. Our team consists of experienced players and enthusiastic beginners, who are all united by their love for the sport.
Why are we crowdfunding?
We are crowdfunding to raise funds for new pitch covers at Appleton Cricket Club, as our current covers are outdated and ineffective. Your support will enable us to provide a safe and well-maintained playing surface for our players, ensuring the future of cricket at our club.
(If you're applying for extra funding, this is a good place to demonstrate why your project is eligible so refer back to the criteria to help complete this section)
How we’ll spend the money raised
The funds raised through the crowdfunding campaign will be allocated towards the following areas:
Acquiring New Pitch Covers: The primary goal is to invest in modern, lightweight pitch covers that offer enhanced protection for our cricket pitch. These covers will be durable, weather-resistant, and designed to ensure the longevity of our playing surface and therefore our club.
Installation and Maintenance: A portion of the funds will be used to cover the installation costs of the new pitch covers. Additionally, regular maintenance and upkeep expenses will be taken care of to ensure the covers are functioning optimally and continue to provide effective protection.
Safety and Player Welfare: The well-being of our players is paramount. Some of the funds will be directed towards implementing safety measures, such as addressing any underlying pitch issues or hazards, to provide a safer playing environment.
Promoting Cricket Development: We believe in nurturing talent and fostering a love for cricket within our community. A portion of the funds will be utilized to support coaching programs, youth development initiatives, and equipment upgrades including a bowling machine, allowing us to provide better opportunities for aspiring cricketers.
Transparency and accountability are of utmost importance to us. We will provide regular updates to our donors and the wider community, sharing how the funds are being utilized to benefit Appleton Cricket Club and its members.
Together, through your generous contributions, we can make a tangible difference in the quality and sustainability of our cricket pitch, ultimately enhancing the overall cricketing experience for everyone involved.
Community impact
The community impact of this fundraiser for Appleton Cricket Club goes beyond the club itself. Here are some of the positive effects it will have on the community:
Engaging the Community: The fundraiser provides an opportunity for community members to come together and support a local sports club. It fosters a sense of belonging, pride, and camaraderie among individuals who share a passion for cricket and the community's well-being.
Accessible Sporting Facilities: By acquiring new pitch covers, the club ensures that cricket matches can proceed even during adverse weather conditions. This means more consistent game schedules, increased opportunities for community members to participate, and a higher likelihood of attracting new players to the club.
Youth Development: The funds raised will contribute to the development of youth cricket programs, enabling the club to provide coaching, equipment, and facilities to nurture young talent. This not only helps develop cricket skills but also promotes values such as teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship among the younger generation.
Community Engagement: Appleton Cricket Club aims to create a welcoming environment that encourages community involvement. The fundraiser will enable the club to organize events, matches, and social gatherings that bring people together, promoting social interaction, bonding, and a sense of community spirit.
Health and Well-being: Engaging in sports activities like cricket contributes to physical fitness and overall well-being. By improving the club's facilities and providing a safe and high-quality playing surface, the fundraiser encourages community members to participate in healthy outdoor activities, leading to better physical and mental health outcomes.
Local Economy: A thriving sports club has positive ripple effects on the local economy. Hosting matches, tournaments, and events can attract visitors from neighboring areas to local businesses such as pubs, restaurants and shops.
Overall, this fundraiser will create a positive impact on the community by promoting sports participation, fostering community engagement, and providing opportunities for personal and skill development. It strengthens the fabric of the local community and enhances the overall quality of life for its residents.
Recovery, Reinvention and Building Resilience
Our crowdfunder aligns perfectly with Sport England's 'Recovery, Reinvention, and Building Resilience' fund focus. As we strive to upgrade Appleton Cricket Club with safer and more accessible facilities, we're not just enhancing the cricketing experience for our community but also contributing to the broader recovery and resilience of grassroots sports. By investing in state-of-the-art lightweight pitch covers, we're ensuring the sustainability and growth of cricket in our village. We believe that a strong and resilient community sports club like ours plays a vital role in the overall well-being of our community, and with your support, we can help make it happen. Join us in building a brighter future for Appleton Cricket Club and contribute to the broader vision of sports recovery and reinvention in our region.
How you can play your part
There are four simple ways to help us reach our target, and make this project a reality.
1. Make a pledge. Don’t delay if you’re going to support us because momentum is key to our success!
2. Spread the word. Share our project on your social media pages and tell the world to get behind us! The more people we reach, the more support we will get.
3. Offer rewards. Get involved if you are a local business by donating things we can offer to our supporters. We will give you a shout out!
4. Fundraise for us. If you want to run your own fundraiser – maybe a sponsored activity or similar – use the 'contact project' button at the top of our page to let us know. Setting up your own page only takes a few minutes and you won’t need any bank details. Just a fun idea!