Big funding boost for North West cricket clubs

The Sports Sustainability Fund was established by the NI Executive to help address the economic consequences of the COVID-19 health pandemic on the sports sector. It endeavours to minimise the financial stress on the sports sector due to lost income as a result of COVID-19 lockdown and ongoing restrictions so as to sustain the sector.

Applications closed on 20 January 2021, and the announcement has now been made regarding successful funding recipients.

The recipient cricket clubs are: Ardmore; Ballyspallen; Bready; Brigade; Burndennett; Donemana; Drummond; Eglinton; Fox Lodge; Glendermott; Killyclooney; Maghera and Newbuildings.

From the total of £208,854, the NWCU will receive £12,439 in financial support, with £196,415 going directly to NWCU clubs. Details will be confirmed with clubs over coming days ​by the NWCU.

Peter McCartney, General Manager of North West Cricket Union, said: “We are delighted for the North West clubs and this funding will be welcome relief to many as they look forward to restarting activity in 2021. This funding has come at a critical time for our clubs and provides them with financial support in what has been a very challenging 12 months.

"Our thanks to Sport Northern Ireland and the Department for Communities for their continued support, and Cricket Ireland for working together on this project.

"Also it's important to recognise the hard work of volunteers in our clubs who have worked so well with NWCU staff on this successful funding application.”