Middlesex Cricket and Flicx UK are working in partnership to boost cricket participation in and around London. Middlesex have identified many different applications for the 2G Flicx Pitch within its programmes including …
- To create new cricket facilities in clubs and schools by converting grass fields and/or synthetic pitches such as 3G Rubbercrumb’s and Astro’s.
- To add extra capacity for clubs and schools by hosting Kwik cricket, junior games on the outfield
- As a more cost effective artificial surface option in nets (vs the cost of a NTP)
- As a portable solution at events run by the Middlesex Community team where the pitch can be rolled out and taster games played eg: Schools day at Lords, Westminster Mile, Club open days and festivals, in town centres for pop up cricket.
The Middlesex staff involved in this partnership have been so impressed by the Flicx pitches versatility, bounce and pace that they have supported and funded pitches in key areas in the County to help with their objectives. These pitches have been funded both by the Middlesex Cricket Trust and also via Sport England, where due to the portable nature of the product it fits within the small grants scheme criteria.
One of the first schools to receive a funded 2G Flicx Pitch was William Perkins C fo E where Director of Sport and former player Paul Harrison is delighted “The 2G Flicx Pitch will enable us to play cricket where we couldn’t before. It was easy to set up and gives a good playing surface for our students to practice and play matches on, increasing our participation greatly”. The plan is now for further 2G Flicx Pitches at this venue to create a hub which will be accessed by local cricket clubs and the community.
Middlesex Cricket and Flicx UK
Katie Berry, Director of Participation Middlesex Cricket commented “The versatility of this product allows Middlesex Cricket to take the game to communities where there is poor or low provision of cricket pitches, it also allows us to increase playing sites in London where green space is in high demand and unfortunately reducing! Not only does the 2G Flicx system provide a good playing surface and focal point for participants, it’s also a great coaching aid for beginners and experienced players alike.
We are encouraged and delighted by the positive response from our clubs who have purchased the pitches to ease pressure on existing fine turf and non-turf pitches in the view of increasing participation for all in the County.”