Howzat! New cricket pitches in Leeds parks prove a hit

Players have had a field day on five new non-turf pitches installed at council parks as part of a near £50,000 initiative.

There are new pitches at Armley Park, Cross Flatts Park and Harehills Park, plus two more at Roundhay Park.

The project has been funded by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) as part of its South Asian Communities Project.

Coun Lucinda Yeadon, Leeds City Council’s executive member for environment and sustainability, said: “As the home of Yorkshire County Cricket Club there is a real passion and love for cricket in our city, and through this project, the ECB is aiming to encourage more members of our South Asian communities to take up the game.”

As part of the project, all of the pitches are on offer free to the public on a strictly first come, first served basis.

The Caribbean Cricket Club on Scott Hall Road also received a new non-turf pitch thanks to ECB funding. This is available for use by the club for matches and training purposes, and to encourage new players to join.

Bruce Cruse, from the ECB, said: “Projects like this are a key part of our plans to grow the game, get a bat and ball in more hands and ensure that cricket is a sport that is accessible for everyone.

“Having five quality non-turf pitches that will be available to the people of Leeds in four city parks will help ensure that the local community has the opportunity to play the game in a way and a time that suits them.”