PENARTH Cricket Club is amongst a number of teams to receive a financial boost through the England and Wales Cricket Trust Small Grant Scheme 2015, supported by Waitrose.

Cricket Wales has distributed £70,000 of funding to clubs, aiming to improve their long term sustainability and/or to increase the number of games played.

Clubs applied to fund projects including refurbishment to kitchens and social areas, the purchase of covers supporting the England and Wales Cricket Board’s (ECB) Get the Game On campaign, and environmental sustainability, helping clubs become the heart of their community.

Waitrose, the England team sponsor, supported this initiative by pledging £100 for every four or six scored across the entire home international summer in 2014. The Waitrose donation, alongside investment from Sport England and the England and Wales Cricket Trust, has allowed more communities to benefit.

Peter Hybart, chief executive of Cricket Wales, said: “This is a fantastic programme that gives valuable support to Welsh clubs across a variety of projects, and enables clubs to make a real difference in their local community.”

Mike Gatting, ECB Cricket Partnership ambassador, said: “We’re passionate about creating a sustainable future for cricket clubs and their communities across England and Wales. Small grants to clubs across Wales make a huge difference to their long term future”.

Rupert Elwood, head of Marketing for Waitrose, said: "As they prepare for a busy summer of fixtures, we are proud to see the positive impact these funds will have on local clubs. We are especially excited that so many clubs are investing in their kitchen and social areas. This grant scheme is dedicated to grassroots cricket, supporting clubs as they build their fundraising activities and ensure a longstanding future as a key part of the local community. We are also delighted to announce we'll be running the Waitrose Boundary Fund again this year. During the upcoming Ashes Series, we'll be donating £100 for every four or six scored by England”.

Cricket Wales is the national governing body for junior and recreational senior cricket in Wales. It works closely with Glamorgan County Cricket Club, which governs the men’s professional game. For information visit cricketwales.org.uk.