Cricket Nets Officially In Play After Fundraising Campaign Hits A 6
St George's Ascot opens its hardball indoor cricket nets after a successful fundraising campaign. With the launch attended by supporters, parents, alumnae, Royal Ascot Cricket Club and Lydia Greenway OBE cricket commentator and former England player.
Friday 10 May saw the grand opening of St George’s Ascot's hardball indoor cricket nets, marking the culmination of a fantastic fundraising campaign which totalled £32,148.15. St George's were bowled over by the incredibly generous support from parents, alumnae and the Parent Association, which enabled the nets to be installed over the Easter Holidays. The equipment purchased will help nurture cricket interest and skills development to facilitate year-round training and development opportunities for their budding cricketers.
The launch was attended by supporters, including parents, alumnae, and representatives from local organisations including Royal Ascot Cricket Club, who enjoyed watching Lydia Greenway OBE run a cricket masterclass in the nets with some of the St George's girls. Lydia is a cricket commentator and former England player who is regarded as one of the best outfielders in the women's game. Lydia's expertise and passion for the sport brought a sense of inspiration to the event, captivating attendees with her enthusiasm, insights and coaching tips.
With an initial fundraising target of £15,195, St George's were overwhelmed by the kindness of donors, and closed off their campaign with an incredible £24,648.15 from parents, alumnae, and their very generous Parent Association. In addition to this phenomenal level of support, as promised, the School matched the first £7,500 raised, meaning the combined total raised towards SGA Girls Cricket is £32,148.15. St George's is particularly grateful to the Sobhan Family, whose further generosity underpins the wider development of cricket for all at the School and beyond. This impressive achievement not only demonstrates the immense strength of this community but also ensures the realisation of this transformative project.
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Participation in girls' cricket at St George's has been steadily growing in recent years. From humble beginnings with just one fixture in 2019, through the turbulence of the Covid years, the School now field up to four cricket teams regularly during the Summer term, with plans to expand further in 2024. Installing the two-lane, hardball cricket net and a bowling machine supports St George's five-year plan to establish girls' cricket as a major sport at the School, enhancing performance development and community engagement.
May 2024