The government allocates 1.5 million pounds for new cricket facilities

• The government has allocated 1.5 million pounds for the construction of two cricket facilities.
• The new facilities will open access to cricket for various groups of the population.
• Plans for 16 facilities across the entire country remain under threat.

The government of Great Britain has announced the allocation of 1.5 million pounds for the construction of two new cricket facilities in Luton and Lancashire. These facilities will become part of a program aimed at expanding access to cricket for various social groups, including women, people with disabilities, and students from state schools.

The facility in Luton is planned to open at the beginning of 2026. It will become a multi-sport venue where people can also play hockey, tennis, and badminton. The facility in Lancashire, which will open in the summer of 2026, will serve as a base for the women's team of Lancashire and a hub for cricket for people with disabilities.

The head of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), Richard Thompson, believes that the new facilities will serve as transformative for their communities and help break down barriers that hinder the development of cricket. He noted that these venues will provide more opportunities for people to engage in sports throughout the year.

This initiative is part of a broader program that includes plans for the construction of 16 facilities across the country by 2029. However, earlier government funding for the development of cricket in state schools remains under threat due to budget cuts.

The Secretary for Culture, Lisa Nandy, confirmed that the new facilities are an important step in supporting sports in the context of limited funding. According to her, cricket has enormous potential for community building and fostering shared experiences.

Tags: Europe/Sport