(posted 7964 days ago)Streatham Guardian
Batting for cricket in the inner-city
The sound of leather upon willow will soon be heard more frequently in Lambeth thanks to a partnership aimed at bringing cricket to inner city areas.The first new community cricket ground in London opened at Kennington recently, with the aim of providing local residents with an accessible venue to experience the joys of the game.
Until now, the only cricket pitch in Lambeth was the world-famous Oval ground.
The Kennington Community Cricket Ground is the result of a partnership between Lambeth Council, Channel 4, Surrey County Cricket Club, The Lord's Taverners and the United Cricket Association.
It was launched with a match between Channel 4 and the Lord's Taverner's, and will provide a home to the newly-formed Lambeth United Cricket Club.
Junior cricket is due to begin at the ground this summer, with senior games starting next year. Planning for the project began 18 months ago, and fundraising will continue to meet the estimated £1.4 million needed to fund the project.
Vince McBea, of the United Cricket Association, told the Guardian: "This is the first major step in providing a clear pathway into cricket for our community.
"The UCA is here to provide the umbrella organisation needed to sustain and develop cricket for local people by local people."
July 4, 2002 10:30
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