The Essex and Southend Sports Trust in 2017 continued and enhanced its support for cricket across the County, with a grant of £31,000.
The cheque was presented to Essex Cricket CEO, Derek Bowden, on behalf of Essex County Cricket Board, during the Surrey T20 Blast Game. The trust is a long-term supporter of the development and opportunities that sport can provide to the community of Essex.
This work is specifically focused on the sustainability of Garon Park for the use of Essex Development programmes and the support for the Women and Girls game in the County. The increase in their annual grant this year though, has also seen EASST support the development of the new junior talent identification programme and help Essex Cricket in putting cricket back into schools by supporting over 30 primary schools across the region.
Key highlights in 2017, following the support from EASST, has seen the Essex Women’s team promoted to Division Two of the County Championship, along with the Under 15 girls reaching the finals weekend and hosting a development festival at Felsted School.
The wider impact of the programme has also been seen with Essex seeing a further increase in girls trialling and taking part in local clubs, along with over 350 women and 50 teams taking part in Women soft ball festivals throughout the County.
Through the support of EASST this year, we have also been able to host high profile events at Garon Park throughout 2017. In July and August Essex hosted Holland and the USA as they prepared for their respective Women’s T20 World Cup qualifiers.
Left to right: Ronnie Irani, Peter Butler, Derek Bowden, Joe Sims.
In June, Garon Park hosted Holland and Denmark as Essex looked to build up its links with Europe, to support the development of the game.
Peter Butler, EASST, said: “We are proud of our continued relationship with Essex Cricket and were delighted to pass over a cheque for £31,000 to the Essex County Cricket Board.
“The Essex Cricket pathway continues to go from strength to strength and helping the Club develop a new junior talent identification programme and increase participation in schools has been very rewarding and shows the value of our support and our partnership.”
Derek Bowden, Essex Cricket CEO, commented: “Garon Park has played host to a number of Second XI, Women’s and Academy matches over the past few years and continues to provide a place for future Essex cricketers to ply their trade.
“EASST’s ongoing and generous support, allows the Club to continue its excellent work, and helps develop the Essex Cricket pathway across the region.”
