Howzat for support - council grant backs young Alkborough cricketers
Earlier this year, young cricketers from Alkborough were still picking up the bat, bowling to teammates and getting ready for the season ahead.
A £418 community grant from North Lincolnshire Council helped Alkborough Cricket Club keep its junior pre-season training affordable, supporting sports hall hire at Winterton Sports Hall between January and April.
The sessions gave 50 young players a regular place to train, stay active and develop their skills before the outdoor season began.
Two weekly sessions were held, one for children in school Years 2 to 6 and another for young people in Years 7 to 11, giving players the chance to train with others at a similar age and stage of development.
For families, the grant also helped keep costs down.
By supporting part of the venue hire, the council helped the club make sure young people could continue to take part without fees becoming a barrier.
The training sessions were about more than cricket, giving children the chance to build confidence, make friends, support one another and feel part of a welcoming local club.
Cllr Rob Waltham, leader of the council, said: “This is exactly the kind of difference community grants are there to make.
“For the young people taking part, these sessions mean more than time in a sports hall. They mean confidence, friendship, teamwork and the chance to keep doing something they enjoy without cost getting in the way.
“Local clubs do a brilliant job giving children positive opportunities, and we are proud to support them where we can.”
Alkborough Cricket Club’s junior section welcomes children of different ages and abilities, from complete beginners to those already playing regularly.
A spokesperson for Alkborough Cricket Club said: “Our junior section is a thriving, inclusive group of young people who support one another and are an absolute credit to our coaches and the club.
