Club Overview
Purley on Thames Cricket Club continues to demonstrate a strong commitment to inclusivity, participation and facility development, ensuring cricket is accessible to people of all ages and abilities. Through targeted investment and innovative programmes, the club has successfully responded to growing demand across its junior, women and girls, and older adult playing communities.
Facility Development – New Non-Turf Pitch (NTP)
Purley on Thames CC recently completed the installation of a new non-turf pitch (NTP) at their Goosecroft Lane ground, representing a significant upgrade to the club’s playing facilities.
The club identified the need for replacement after the previous surface, originally installed in 1997, had reached the end of its usable life and showed extensive wear, including numerous burn marks. To support the project, Purley on Thames CC successfully secured an £8,000 grant through the County Grants Fund.
The new NTP is already playing a vital role in enhancing the quality of facilities available and increasing playing opportunities, particularly for the club’s rapidly growing junior and women’s and girls’ sections. The club currently runs multiple women’s and girls’ teams across both hardball and softball formats, and the improved pitch capacity allows the club to better accommodate training and match play.
With the Women’s World Cup taking place in the UK, the club anticipates further growth in female participation. The installation of the NTP ensures Purley on Thames CC is well positioned to meet this demand and continue to provide safe, high-quality playing environments.
Participation & Inclusion – Walking Cricket Programme
In May 2024, Purley on Thames CC launched a Walking Cricket programme to provide a cricket opportunity specifically for over-55s. The initiative was introduced as a soft, social form of softball cricket for both men and women, with a strong focus on improving physical health, mental wellbeing and social connection.
The programme began with just eight participants but has grown steadily, now attracting around 20 regular attendees. Reflecting its success, the group has expanded beyond weekly sessions and now travels to friendly fixtures against clubs in Worcester, Valley End and Normandy (Surrey).
A key factor in the programme’s popularity is its emphasis on the social side of cricket. Regular social events and presentation evenings help strengthen relationships off the pitch as well as on it. One participant, Bob, highlighted this impact at a recent session, stating that “the social aspect is equally as important as the cricket itself. Bob is 77 years old – 20 years in HM Services, 20 years in Met Police and 10 years in House of Parliament security and protection. He retired and struggled for focus before Walking Cricket offered social outlet – he loves it!
Impact
Through strategic facility investment and inclusive participation programmes, Purley on Thames CC has:
- Improved the quality and sustainability of its playing facilities
- Increased participation among juniors, women and girls
- Created accessible cricket opportunities for older adults
- Strengthened community connections through social engagement
- Positioned the club to respond to future growth and national cricket initiatives
Conclusion
Purley on Thames Cricket Club provides an excellent example of how targeted funding, forward planning and inclusive thinking can positively impact both participation and community wellbeing. From modernising facilities through the County Grants Fund to delivering successful Walking Cricket sessions, the club continues to grow while ensuring cricket remains welcoming and accessible to all.