Q+A with Richard Beghin – MD of Flicx UK … All you need to know about the Flicx Pitch

Rich, Tell us a bit about how the Flicx Pitch products were originally developed…

The Flicx pitch originated in South Africa in the late nineties and was created to help young cricketers who had been brought up in under-privileged townships to develop their game. The pitches are still made in South Africa from recycled plastic. Having moved myself to England myself in 1999 we launched the Flicx pitch at the ECB Coaches Association conference at the NIA; where shortly after we received an ECB contract to supply 799 pitches to inner city schools and deprived areas.

What is unique about the Flicx pitch?

The Flicx pitch is a cost effective way to get a new cricket surface and is generally half the price of synthetic products. It is most frequently used to convert football, rugby or hockey pitches into cricket pitches for the summer- which can then be returned simply by rolling back the Flicx Pitch.

A roll out pitch can convert any sports fields (or surface for that matter!) into a cricket field with no long term damage however some customers choose to embed their pitch permanently into the ground in which case its rolled in and grass grows through it and it is cut like any other crease.

How many Flicx pitches have you installed so far?

We have installed well over 3,500 pitches worldwide from Iceland to China to Russia to right below the Eiffel tower in France… We work very closely with the 5 ICC regions to take cricket to a new audience, providing many youngsters with a new opportunity to enjoy the game. Already this year we have had inquiries from Sierra Leone and the Solomon Islands and will soon be installing on the beautiful island of Vanuatu  (off the East Coast of Australia!)

Is there just one Flicx Pitch?

No – Products range from a full length pitch to shorter batting ends to various different types of coaching pitches with markings on that are used as bowling and batting targets, helping young players with their decision making. We also have our home range which means the product can be easily used in the safety of one’s back garden.

How can clubs/schools/ individuals buy a Flicx Pitch?

We would recommend that you get your Flicx pitch in time for Easter so the pitch is rolled out when the ground is damp. Please ring us directly for a quote 0n 01295 816765 or visit the website www.flicx.com. The other option is to go through any of our approved Flicx Pitch retailers…