Thetford Town Cricket Club has been awarded a grant.

The club received £5,000 from the Unlocking Thetford’s Potential Fund 2024.

The fund is an initiative by Thetford Town Council, allowing clubs and community groups to apply for a portion of £25,000.

Thetford Town Cricket Club, founded in the late 19th century, is a pivotal part of the town, providing opportunities for both junior and senior players.

The club currently has three men’s teams, a ladies team, and three youth teams, all competing in county-run competitions.

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Councillor Stuart Terry, who presented the cheque, said: “Fundraising is such an important part of grassroots cricket clubs and other sports clubs, and how they can sustain themselves and develop for the future.

“Although there are various funding schemes in place, available through The ECB and other sources these are limited so clubs must find other ways of funding and we are glad Thetford Town Council can support one of the oldest cricket clubs in the country. “

The club organises charity matches, cricket games for local companies, and an annual community family-based music festival that attracts more than 2,500 people.

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They have also partnered with a national charity, Chance to Shine, to organise and run ‘Street Cricket’ at a local academy in Thetford.

The club plans to use the grant for kits and training equipment for their newly established ladies’ teams and expanding youth teams, as well as replacing worn practice nets.

On receiving the cheque, Mick Piggott, chairman of the cricket club, said: “On behalf of everyone at Thetford Town Cricket Club, I would like to personally thank Councillor Stuart Terry and everyone connected with Thetford Town Council for the generous donation of £5,000 which has gone to support both our junior and ladies’ sections.”