How Avebury Cricket Club’s Flicx Pitch creates all-weather cricket options

In October 2020, Avebury Cricket Club invested in a 2G Flicx Extra Length Multi Age Pitch to enhance their cricket facilities. Initially planned to extend their COVID-impacted season by playing on a hockey astro under floodlights, it ultimately delivered even greater benefits when they introduced it in Easter 2021. The pitch proved invaluable during a somewhat experimental four-day cricket camp, allowing matches to continue despite unpredictable weather conditions.

Since then, the Flicx Pitch has become a core asset for the club, supporting both formal and informal cricket activities. It has opened up new opportunities, particularly for cricket camps, which have now grown into a key income stream supporting the club’s wider ambitions. Club Chairman Dom Fry describes the Flicx Pitch as “fantastic for both the price and variety of uses we’ve had from it.”

He also highlights its versatility across different levels of cricket at the club. While the bounce may be slightly lower when deployed on the outfield, this has ultimately helped junior players develop front-foot play, making it an effective tool for both matches and training sessions. Additionally, the pitch’s durability has impressed the club, withstanding heavy and extensive use without significant wear and tear.

“There’s no fading, and we can do minor repairs to individual tiles if needed,”

Key Benefits of the Flicx Pitch at Avebury CC

• All-weather cricket camps – The Flicx Pitch has allowed the club to run Easter, Half Term and summer camps without the fear of weather disruptions.
• Increased match opportunities – U11 hard ball matches have taken place on the Flicx during pre- and post-season weeks, when the main square is either not ready for play, or has been “put to bed”.
• Preserving the main square – During the season, the pitch can be used on wet match days to reduce wear and tear on the club’s primary turf wicket.
• Practice & training aid – Used on the outfield as a training pitch, including junior sessions with a bowling machine.
• Encouraging informal cricket – Placing the Flicx Pitch near Avebury’s “Unhenged” café (located in its clubhouse in the corner of the ground) has led to families and young cricketers picking up a bat and ball for impromptu games.
• Adaptability for multiple age groups – The pitch is used by juniors aged 6-15, with Wiltshire Cricket also making use of the clubs set up for events.
• Cost-effective and durable – Despite continuous use, the Flicx Pitch remains in excellent condition, requiring only minor maintenance. Avebury are delighted how resilient it has proved.
• Enhancing coaching and umpiring – Flicx is a demarcated pitch so any balls off the mat are deemed wides, and the crease markings unbelievably helpful for beginners learning where to stand relative to the stumps when batting.

A Catalyst for Growth

Avebury CC is situated in a UNESCO World Heritage site, meaning fixed advertising boards are not an available fundraising option, whilst signage is also generally not permitted.

This has made running cricket camps the club’s most important means of attracting new players, as well as providing employment opportunities for young coaches and coaching assistants. Thanks to the 2G Flicx Pitch, these camps have flourished even in adverse weather conditions, growing in reputation and avoiding cost issues associated with cancellations and refunds. Even when the weather is really wet, camps have still run and the Club has even rolled it out inside a marque built on the outfield!

The growth in the junior section in recent years, largely a function of these camps, has given the Club the confidence to bring overseas cricketers to Avebury, who in turn have led outreach programmes in local schools—just one example of how the pitch has supported wider development.

Over the past 5 years since purchasing their Flicx Pitch, the club has expanded to run U11, U13, and U15 boys’ and girls’ teams, alongside U9/U10 softball cricket, All Stars, and Dynamos sessions. Despite Avebury having a population of just 210 people, the club has managed to attract players from surrounding towns, reinforcing its commitment to growth and excellence.

Future Expansion

Looking to the future, the club’s second ground is now operational, and it is considering investing in a second Flicx Pitch—potentially with the support of a local sponsor.

The club is also toying with the idea of hosting Boxing Day cricket, knowing that whatever the weather, they’ll have a playable surface.

The Flicx Pitch has proven to be a hugely valuable asset for Avebury Cricket Club, enabling them to expand their cricket offering, indirectly increase membership income, and create more opportunities for players of all ages. It’s been a great investment for the club’s future that continues to deliver value in abundance.