Howzat for cricket lovers as five new non-turf pitches installed in council parks prove to be a big hit

Keen cricketers across the city have enjoyed a magical summer following the introduction of five new non-turf pitches situated in four Leeds City Council public parks.

Funded by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) as part of their South Asian Communities Project, the near £50k initiative saw new pitches installed in Armley Park, Cross Flatts Park, Harehills Park, along with two strips at Roundhay Park. The arrival of the non-turf pitches replaced those that were already available at Roundhay Park and Armley Park. As part of the project, all of the pitches are on offer to the public on a strictly first come, first serve basis. No pre-booking of the pitches is available.

Also receiving a new non-turf pitch thanks to ECB funding was Caribbean Cricket Club. This is available for use by the club for matches and training purposes, and to encourage new players to join.

Councillor Lucinda Yeadon, Leeds City Council’s executive member for environment and sustainability, said:

“It is brilliant news that five new non-turf cricket pitches have been installed and enjoyed by the public at four of our council parks.

“As the home of Yorkshire CCC there is a real passion and love for cricket in our city, and through this project, the ECB is aiming to encourage more members of our South Asian communities to take up the game. We would like to offer a very big thank you to the ECB for providing the funding for these new pitches, which also includes a new strip at Caribbean Cricket Club.

“This is a fantastic and free opportunity for people of all ages and abilities to emulate their heroes and have fun playing the game for seasons to come.”

Bruce Cruse, ECB national funding and facilities manager, said:

“Projects like this are a key part of our plans to grow the game, get a bat and ball in more hands and ensure that cricket is a sport that is accessible for everyone.

“Having five quality non-turf pitches that will be available to the people of Leeds in four city parks will help ensure that the local community have the opportunity to play the game in a way and a time that suits them.”

Notes to editors:

The full total of the £49,830 project has been provided by the ECB as part of their South Asian Communities Project.

For media enquiries, please contact;

Colin Dickinson, Leeds City Council press office (0113) 39 51578

Email: colin.dickinson@leeds.gov.uk