Howzat! Cricket enthusiasts young and old will be able to take advantage of a brand new cricket pitch in Cross Flatts Park. Local Councillors Angela Gabriel, Adam Ogilvie and David Congreve welcomed the new pitch, which was formally unveiled when visitors from the English Cricket Board (ECB) met with local cricket fans at an event on 28 September 2017.
Funding for the new pitches, which are being added in five sites across Leeds, comes as part of the South Asian Community Project, run through the ECB’s Whole Sport Plan. The focus of the scheme is on retaining current participants and increasing participation amongst South Asian Communities and is being rolled out in Leeds and Bradford.
Councillor Angela Gabriel (Beeston and Holbeck) said:
“With this winter’s Ashes series on the way it’s great to see this new pitch here in Cross Flatts Park. Myself and my ward colleagues Adam Ogilvie and David Congreve are really looking forward to seeing some fine shotmaking in the months and years ahead!”
Councillor Lucinda Yeadon (Executive Member for Environment and Sustainability) told South Leeds Life:
“I think it’s brilliant. It’s so important to get people more involved and the fact that it’s in the community makes it so accessible. It’s great to see a learning disabilities group her using it today.
“It brings two Yorkshire traditions together: cricket and parks. It’s a wonderful asset in a wonderful park.”
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.”
