SACA: Australian Cricket Infrastructure Funding announced

Photo Credit: South Australian Cricket Association

Congratulations to the 26 community cricket clubs, councils and schools who have received approximately $750,000 funding under the Australian Cricket Infrastructure Fund (ACIF).

Announced in May 2023, the ACIF provides funding for community cricket facility projects, with a focus on growing participation and promoting accessibility and inclusivity.

The funding delivered by SACA, Cricket Australia and the Australian Cricketers’ Association has provided opportunities to grow cricket and improve cricket infrastructure throughout South Australia.

The total project value of the 26 projects is $16,600,773 and includes new practice facilities, turf and synthetic pitch projects, clubrooms and change rooms, providing much-improved experiences for several communities and thousands of cricketers. 

Clubs from as far as the Tasman Cricket Club on the Lower Eyre Peninsula and the Tailem Bend Cricket Club in the Murraylands were successful, together with large regional clubs such as the Tanunda Cricket Club in the Barossa Valley and Willunga Cricket Club in the McLaren Vale.

Several metropolitan clubs, councils and schools – including Adelaide Lutheran Sports Club, Forbes Primary School, Northern Districts Cricket Club and City of Holdfast Bay were also granted funds, bringing the total spend of current projects to over $16.6 million.

SACA’s CEO Charlie Hodgson said each year, there are a number of grants available to local clubs, schools and councils as part of our mission to grow the game of cricket.

“We are very pleased to work with Cricket Australia and the ACA to commit to this round of infrastructure funding,” Mr Hodgson said.

“Representing Cricket’s continued commitment to develop quality facilities that provide a welcoming environment for all participants, official, volunteers and fans.” 

Successful grant recipient Greenock Cricket Club’s Secretary, Jacqui Possingham said they appreciate the support of the ACIF in providing funding to the Club.

“Greenock Cricket Club is part of the Barossa Light Cricket Association that has the fourth highest participants in the State and the current three lane metal mesh 30+ year old nets have served the club and community well, but are getting beyond a repairable state,” Ms Possingham said.

“The new four lane synthetic surface nets will bring a high standard facility that meets guidelines, will improve training, bring better participation and connection to the sport.

“The Greenock Cricket Club was established in 1886 and has been playing continuously for the last 50 years and upgrading this facility will no doubt see the continued enjoyment of cricket in our township and region for another 50 years, along with hosting events and having excellent facilities for our upcoming juniors to utilise.”

Adelaide Lutheran Sports Club’s Cricket President Jeremy Borgas said their Club is incredibly appreciative of the support SACA and Cricket Australia have provided for this initiative.

“Community sport offers so many physical, social and mental benefits to participants and is especially important in an increasingly busy and stressful world for many people,” Mr Borgas said.

“Thanks to SACA and the ACIF, our new practice facility will help promote a safer training environment, encourage better game development and will be large enough to cater for our growing club.

“Ultimately, this will help more people enjoy the many benefits that many sports clubs just like Adelaide Lutheran provide for the community.”

If you have a project in mind, we encourage your Club, Council or School to apply in the next round of Australian Cricket Infrastructure Fund. Please contact SACA’s Community Infrastructure Leader, Simon Bradley.

Name of Author: South Australian Cricket Association

South Australian Cricket Association

The South Australian Cricket Association (SACA) is the governing body for cricket in South Australia. Based in Adelaide, it oversees the South Australian men’s and women’s teams and manages the South Australian Grade Cricket League.