East Sussex cricket club tackling latest lockdown by taking part in new initiative

Hailsham Cricket Club is one of 75 clubs across the country carefully chosen by sport organisation GiveToLocal as a standard bearer for fundraising potential.

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And after community sport in England was hit by the hammer blow of a second national lockdown, Hailsham has taken the first supported steps towards securing a bright financial future.

“Over the years, our club has transformed from a struggling one to one that now has four senior teams and over 150 juniors who train and play weekly,” explained Hailsham Director of Cricket Rob Wilkinson.

“The place is almost unrecognisable to what it used to be and this is down to our committed and motivated committee.

“We’re always looking to push the club forward and prove that boundaries are there to be smashed!

“That’s why we’re delighted to be on board with GiveToLocal.”

GiveToLocal was launched in 2019 and works with more than 55,000 teams across 15 sports.

Its aim is to pump an additional £10m into community sport annually by backing sport, boosting business and building networks.

High profile supporters include former England striker Les Ferdinand, England World Cup winning cricketer Mark Wood and Olympic swimmer Adam Peaty.

GiveToLocal’s Focus Clubs initiative was launched in order to find clubs across the country capable of showcasing sport’s power and positivity in the face of the coronavirus pandemic.

Focus Clubs gain early access to the latest version of the GiveToLocal app and receive extra support from staff dedicated to helping teams connect to donors and local sponsors.

Connecting with the local community is the first step towards securing vital, sustainable funding.

“It’s fantastic to have Hailsham on board as a Focus Club,” said GiveToLocal CEO Neil Gardiner.

“Their application stood out from the crowd and we feel they can help to encourage more cricket clubs get on board with GiveToLocal.

“Hailsham has a track record for playing a key role at the heart of their local community and fundraising is something they already do very well.

“We’re here to take them to the next level by helping them to secure the sustainable funding that can ensure lasting, positive change.

“The next few weeks and months are going to be particularly tough for GiveToLocal clubs across the country as the second lockdown takes hold.

“But as a Focus Club, Hailsham has the opportunity to point the way when it comes to realising fundraising potential.”

Via the groundbreaking GiveToLocal app Hailsham has the potential to connect with hundreds of local donors.

Donors are asked to pledge a minimum of £3 per month and in return they can access a growing number of offers from local businesses.

GiveToLocal is working closely with Hailsham to bring on board local businesses as sponsors. A minimum £8 per month donation can connect firms at the heart of the community with new customers and help to support sport in the process.

“Regular income would allow us to continue to improve the facilities that we offer at the club,” added Rob.

“We currently have a five year plan to move the club to the next level. These plans include things like a getting new equipment and building up our facilities.

“We are also investigating the potential of opening up the club house as a cafe during the summer.

“That’s where GiveToLocal can help us – by helping us to bring in an additional level of funding to improve our club.”

For more information on how your club could benefit from becoming part of the GiveToLocal community www.givetolocal.com/clubs to register now.