How the 2G Flicx Pitch is Solving the Facility Shortage at Alexander Thomson Cricket Club

As participation in junior cricket continues to rise across Australia, many clubs are facing a growing challenge—finding enough suitable facilities to host games. For Stu Smith, Junior Coordinator at Alexander Thomson Cricket Club (ATCC) in Geelong, Victoria, this was a problem he knew all too well.

A Common Challenge for Growing Clubs

In recent years, ATCC has seen strong growth in junior participation, now fielding 10 junior teams with six sides playing on Friday evenings alone. However, the club had historically relied on a shared council ground for junior cricket, and issues were mounting:

• Reduced council budgets led to poorly maintained playing fields and commons.
• Lack of infrastructure, such as shelter and changing facilities, made it hard on young players and their families.
• Long travel times for “home” games held offsite were affecting participation and community spirit.
• High demand meant the club couldn’t host as many games as needed on their main ground.

With no signs of demand slowing down and with the Big Bash League further igniting passion for cricket among young players, Stu knew they needed a solution—and fast.

Enter the 2G Flicx Pitch

After seeing the 2G Flicx Pitch in action at nearby Newtown & Chilwell Cricket Club, ATCC decided to invest in a 2G Flicx Junior Multi-Age (18m) Pitch. That decision has transformed the way junior cricket is delivered at the club.

“It’s an absolute game changer for our junior cricket,” says Stu Smith. “We’ve gone from scrambling for suitable venues to hosting Friday night cricket right on our own home ground.”

Now, instead of relying on council spaces, Stu simply cuts a strip of grass on the outfield on Thursday night, then rolls the 2G Flicx Pitch out on Friday before the kids arrive.

Instant Benefits for ATCC

The impact has been felt across the club, both on and off the field:

• U11s now play at the club’s home ground, enjoying better facilities and a stronger club culture.
• Easy setup**: Stu found the pitch surprisingly simple to roll out—“after a couple of goes, it’s something I can do with my eyes closed.”
• Better atmosphere: Clubrooms, BBQs, and access to shelter and shade have created a more enjoyable experience for families.
• Extra income: With more people around the club on matchdays, bar and food sales have increased.
• Flexibility: U13s have used the pitch when needed, and there are plans to invest in a second one next season so two games can run side-by-side.
• More Options: Especially when the weather is wet, the 2G Flicx Pitch gives you more of an opportunity to get a game on.

“The Flicx Pitch plays great and gives a true bounce whilst enabling clubs to host more home games,” Stu adds. “It’s brilliant for growing clubs like ours.”

A Solution with Nationwide Potential

ATCC’s experience is a shining example of how innovative solutions like the 2G Flicx Pitch can help grassroots cricket thrive in the face of facility shortages. Especially in urban areas where green space is limited, roll-out pitches are proving to be a smart investment to meet growing demand and keep junior cricket strong and local.

As cricket participation continues to grow, more and more clubs may find themselves in ATCC’s shoes—and thanks to the 2G Flicx Pitch, there’s now a practical, cost effective and proven way forward.