New nets fundraiser for Tavistock CC

Tavistock Cricket Club has kicked off its most ambitious fundraiser ever. The club is looking to replace its old, dilapidated and worn out training facility with a brand new state of the art ECB approved two-lane nets facility. 

The club has 10 weeks to raise £15,000 and then Sports England will step in and match that with another £15,000. The new training facility is required to support the amazing growth in female and junior cricket at the club. 

The club has increased the number of junior teams from two sides in 2022 to six in 2024. As Dave Manning, club chairman explained, this is only the beginning.

He said: “Our vision is to develop a further four teams in 2025, including an additional female team, a third junior girls’ team, a team specifically for children with special educational needs and disabilities, and a seniors’ team, to encourage those aged over 50 to return to cricket or try it for the first time.”

It is perhaps the growth in female cricket at the club that is most impressive. In 2023, Tavistock had one female playing junior competitive cricket and zero females over the age of 18 playing cricket at the club.

In 2024, that had grown to 28 girls at the club, alongside 22 females over the age of 18, playing cricket. These achievements, in growing and opening up the game, were recognised by the Devon Cricket Foundation, who awarded the club the Female Coach and Managers award in 2024.

The club's senior team also has big dreams, with the experienced all-rounder Sean Cleave taking the reins as captain of the first XI. A true Tavistock clubman with 20 years of senior cricket under his belt, Sean will lead the team in their quest for promotion to the Premier Division of the Devon Cricket League.

To support the growth and ambitions of the club, the 20 year-old nets need replacing with training facilities that are fit for purpose. Through this project, all players will have access to excellent facilities that are safe and conducive to improve playing cricket. The club's volunteer coaches will have access to better training facilities to help in supporting player skills and development.

Dave Manning explained how people can help, he said: “As well as donating, there are a number of fantastic Rewards on our Crowdfunder site www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/tavistockccnewnets

“We have tickets to see some top comedy acts, coaching lessons with some of our first team players, afternoon tea and prosecco at the club, social and playing membership. All of this will make cracking Christmas gifts.

“We have got some of our players running the Tavy 5k in full cricket gear on December 21 to raise awareness and sponsorship. We are also planning a Christmas sponsored walk/run and social from our clubhouse on December 27 for our junior players, friends and families. All details will be on our Facebook page'. Please support the club www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/tavistockccnewnets.”