Crawley Borough Council and Sussex Cricket Foundation unveil new artificial wicket and two-lane net facility

This project represents a significant investment from the England Cricket Board (ECB) and Sussex Cricket Foundation in local sporting infrastructure to provide enhanced opportunities for cricket participation within the local community.

Tilgate Cricket Club will be entering into a three-year temporary licence permitting use for playing 12 additional cricket games on the artificial wicket and use of the net facilities. Tilgate Cricket Club, a local success story that began in 2008 when seven friends came together over their love for league cricket, today fields two Saturday league teams, a midweek T20 side and an indoor winter squad.

Councillor Chris Mullins, Cabinet member for Leisure and Wellbeing, said, “We are delighted to support this new facility in Tilgate, reflecting our ongoing commitment to supporting grassroots sport in Crawley. It is a fantastic facility for the local community and we hope it will encourage more people to get involved.”

Matt Parsons, Territory Manager (North), Sussex Cricket Foundation, said, “The facility at Tilgate represents the final big-build project within the Crawley Urban Plan. Since it launched, we have improved the facilities or built new facilities at over 10 sites across Crawley, investing over £250,000 in the process. But more than the money and big successful statements, it’s brought opportunity and improved access to the passionate, growing, and ever-increasing cricketing community across Crawley, which will only help continue to build the game in such a key area for Sussex.”

Tilgate Cricket Club is actively welcoming new players of all ages and skill levels, with plans underway to launch a junior section. Weekly training sessions are held every Wednesday from 6 to 8pm at Tilgate Playing Field, Gainsborough Road (RH10 5LF). To find out more, visit: https://tilgate.play-cricket.com/home.