Cricket fans will have access to four new pitches after Croydon Council secured funding, in partnership with the English Cricket Board and Surrey Cricket.
The non-turf pitches will make the sport more accessible and encourage participation, making the borough a healthier place for all.
They have been installed at Green Lane Sports Ground in Norbury, John Ruskin Playing Fields in Coombe Farm, Purley Way Playing Fields and Rickman Hill Recreation Ground in Coulsdon.
The installations and costs are being fully covered by the English Cricket Board (ECB), working closely with Surrey Cricket.
Non-turf pitches are a synthetic surface that help to reduce wear, with a consistent level surface that make it easier to develop skills. They require less maintenance, meaning that cricket enthusiasts will get more time to play throughout the year, easing pressure on the current booking process and growing demand for cricket pitches.
“The addition of four new non-turf cricket pitches to Croydon are another massive boost to sport and leisure in the borough. This exciting announcement with English Cricket Board and Surrey Cricket will help to meet the growing demand and interest in cricket in Croydon.
“Sports are key to ensuring that Croydon becomes a healthier place to live for us all and I would encourage anyone interested in cricket to visit a new pitch and get involved.”
Jason Perry, Executive Mayor of Croydon
Christopher Morris, Surrey County Cricket Club, said: “The Surrey Cricket Foundation has worked with schools, clubs, charities, and governing bodies to increase cricket participation amongst all demographics in Croydon. We are pleased that these non-turf pitches will be going in to make cricket accessible to the people of Croydon. We hope that these pitches are embraced by the community, and through cricket they can be used as a way to connect and support these neighbourhoods.”
