Ilford Cricket Club proudly announces that it has been awarded ECB NatWest CricketForce Showcase club of the year in 2018. This award will have a positive effect on children's participation in cricket and will improve the facilities they will have access to within our community.

Ilford CC was selected from thousands of applicants due it history, legacy and stature in club cricket and its work in the community, especially in relation to developing cricket for boys and girls. A legacy that includes having produced many professional cricketers in our 139 year history, and having produced two England captains, Graham Gooch and Nasser Hussain. No club in England has produced more England Captains.

NatWest CricketForce is a nationwide initiative aimed at cricket clubs. The programme is designed to bring clubs and local communities closer together, and ensure grounds and facilities are ready for the new season.

Ilford CC NatWest CricketForce day will take place on 23rd March 2018 with a focus upon supporting the improvement of all facilities for boys, girls, women and men, improving access for disabled people, creating a more family friendly environment.

Other projects that will be undertaken range from simple paint jobs, sight screen scrubbing and renewed boundary fencing, to brand new changing rooms, function rooms and even a new scorebox.

Ilford CC is honoured to have the support of Redbridge Mayor Cllr Linda Huggett and local Cllr Mehboob Choudhary, who will both be involved on the 23rd March. Part of the day will also be allocated to All Stars Cricket for young school children, both boy and girls. The event will also be attended by the English Cricket Board (ECB), England and Essex Professional Cricketers and will be broadcast on Sky Sports and other local media outlets. The event is open to everyone who wants to come and help on the day with the ground improvements and the renovations.

We are looking for donations to assist us with this community led venture to improve our sporting facilities for the boys, girls, men and women. I hope you agree this is a great opportunity for the local community to come together, have some fun and make a material difference to one of the local community cricket clubs. I look forward to you supporting us with donations and with your attendance on the day if you are available.

Yours sincerely,

Maz Malik

Chairman Ilford CC

07967 839390