The “Chirp” around Flicx pitches on Jersey

 James Caunt, the Director of Cricket at Chirpy’s Cricket Club from Jersey kindly gave us an interview about his experiences with the 2G Flicx Cricket pitch and how it has become a valuable resource to their Cricket Club. Furthermore, stating about his future aspirations for the Club. 

James started Chripy’s Cricket Club in 2017 in his back garden with his two sons and their friends, with the idea of creating a FUN yet productive cricket programme. Since then, Chirpy’s Cricket Club has grown exponentially over the last 4 years with their Academy hosting over 150 children with ages ranging from reception to U11’s. Also, including the introduction of a U13’s age group for the 2022 season. The Club also has a Senior men’s team called the “Chirpy’s Chiefs” as well as a ladies soft ball team called the “Chirpy’s Chicks”

Jersey being a small island of approximately only 45 sq. miles, leaves a limited amount of space for sporting activities.  This has meant sharing the available sports facilities, making it difficult to frequently practice.

The idea of a 2G Flicx pitch was first made aware to James by a friend, who happened to come across a video on social media of a cricket club (Eastbourne) using the Flicx pitch on an Astroturf hockey field. After some research, James presented a logo mock-up made by Flicx which helped secure the essential funds needed from a sponsor. Low Carbon generously funded and donated a 7.5m skills Flicx pitch in November 2020 to Chirpy’s.

The pitch was initially used by James and his two sons on the driveway of their home during the lockdown. Which James stated “worked so well” for the boys and who have thoroughly enjoyed using the Flicx pitch as a key training aid to develop their skills. Since then, due to the portability, the pitch has travelled around Jersey to various camp sites, sports fields and will be used in the sports hall for all winter training. The Flicx pitch has provided what Chirpy’s Cricket club has needed and has been the solution for the limited space for cricket. Although still in the “early stages” of usage, James has described the Flicx pitch as “An amazing piece of kit”.

Chirpy’s Cricket Club is also looking at purchasing another Flicx pitch (4.5m throwdown) in the future for the younger age groups to develop their skills and provide yet another opportunity to boost participation and develop batting and bowling skills.  

Recently, James has also been trailing out various balls on the Flicx pitch to identify which balls suit best for his Club and the numerous age groups.

James looks to continue to grow the Club and eventually pursue his own “Field of Dreams” with Chirpy’s Cricket Club by building their own cricket ground.

 As a result of the pitch purchased by Chirpy’s, many of James’ coaching clients have also purchased home academies or batting ends for their own homes and personal development. Furthermore, there has been recent interest from schools on the Island which could give rise to Jersey becoming a cricket hub thanks to the opportunity Flicx Pitches offer by creating new spaces and facilities to train and develop.

Thanks again to James Caunt and Chirpy’s Cricket Club for their time and for sharing their experiences of a Flicx cricket pitch.  We at Flicx would like to wish you all the best in your future endeavours.