EMR's Community Fund supports Derby cricket club development

East Midlands Railway's (EMR) Community Fund has supported Mickleover Cricket Club in creating a new patio area improving access for spectators. 

The grant, which is just short of five thousand pounds, helped to pay towards building costs of the new area, as well as the erection of new fencing at the club's ground on Station Road in Derby. 

Mickleover Cricket Club (MCC) fields four senior teams and five junior teams as well as 'All Stars' and 'Dynamos' for very young children. It has a thriving junior section with more than 85 players aged between 6 and 17 years supported by an additional 50 senior members. These junior players come from across the west of the city with a significant number coming from more deprived inner city areas. 

The project has created a clean, comfortable and safe enviroment for parents, supporters, players and opposition to enjoy and engage in playing cricket and therefore improving their health, physical and mental well being.

The club hopes  the project will encourage further members and grow its presence in the community.

The Community Fund aims to support communities and organisations along the routes that EMR serve and is designed to inspire projects that make a difference to those that need it the most.

It is the first of its kind for the railway industry in the East Midlands and is available to community rail partnerships, station adoption groups, charities, community interest companies, schools, youth organisations, sports clubs, not for profits, and groups such as Beavers or Guides.

To qualify the group or organisation must operate within 15km of an EMR managed station and successfully meet the requirements of funding set out by EMR.

Blair Winter, Chairman of Mickleover Cricket Club, said: "We are absolutely delighted with the support we have received from East Midlands Railway.

"Supplementing EMR's commitment with additional grant support and some match funding from ourselves, we have been able to create a welcoming, accessible space for players, officials and spectators, benefitting all age groups of our membership. We're really looking forward to April, the start of the season, and utilising the new space."

Kaye Robinson, Community Engagement Manager at East Midlands Railway, said: "We were happy to support Mickleover Cricket Club through our Community Fund. 

"The new seating area looks great. It will provide easy and safe access for spectators to watch the club play next year."

Community Fund - apply now!

The fund is available to community rail partnerships, station adoption groups, charities, community interest companies, schools, youth organisations, sports clubs, not for profits and groups such as Beavers or Guides. 

To qualify the group or organisation must operate within 15km of an EMR station and successfully meet the requirements of funding set out by EMR.

For more information about the fund, including how to apply for funding please visit: https://www.eastmidlandsrailway.co.uk/community-fund