The Mayor of Preston, Javeq Iqbal, has officially opened Fulwood and Broughton Cricket Club’s brand new £54,000 practice facilities.

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During the summer of 2021, the club ran a crowdfunding campaign, coordinated by UCLan lecturer Dr Chris Gunn, which, with some additional funding from Sport England, raised over £22,000. Contributions came from members through fundraising events and the local community. 

In recent months, ground chair Adam Cooper oversaw installation of a four-bay net facility, which will now provide a top-class practice environment for the club’s thriving women and girls, senior and junior sections.

It was the next phase of a long-term vision that ultimately involves developing land to the east of the current ground, creating another high-class cricket pitch and enabling the club to meet growing local demand. 

With the cricket season officially starting on Saturday 23 April, the first team will be playing its fourth consecutive year in the Northern Premier League.

The women and girls section is growing, and always welcomes new players.

Off the field, the club will be hosting its popular annual beer festival from Friday 29 April to Sunday 1 May with free entry and all welcome.

A spokesperson for the club said: “The new facilities and its longer-term plans cement Fulwood and Broughton’s aspiration to be Preston’s premier cricket club.”

Anyone interested in supporting the club in the development venture, becoming a qualified coach or playing cricket can find out more on the Fulwood and Broughton Cricket Club website.

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