Storm Darragh and Storm Bert created mayhem across the country and these weather conditions caused significant devastation at Yeovil Cricket Club (YCC) in Somerset.

The cricket ‘Nets’ and practice facilities were damaged beyond repair and left in an unusable and dangerous condition. All net cages were blown over and the artificial surface was also ripped up in several places.

Historically the nets have been established for over 20 years and support over 100 boys and girls aged from 5-16 from the Yeovil and District area every season. Cricket coaching is delivered by YCC volunteers, across Wednesday and Friday nights in a well structured coaching programme over 13 weeks in the summer. We estimate that over 2,000 local children have been able to use these nets in the last 20 years.

Without the use of the nets, we would be unable to provide this community offering and also with that, YCC would lose its Clubmark accreditation and be unable to offer senior cricket in the West of England Premier League. Being the only ground in Yeovil, this would be a massive blow and put the future of cricket at risk in the Yeovil area.

The nets are a facility for all of the community to enjoy and YCC have and continue to build a strong collaborative approach with local schools and colleges to encourage more boys and girls into the game of cricket. Cricket is a brilliant sport for all and enables people to fulfil personal aspirations, develop lasting friendships, create wonderful memories and most importantly creates fun and limitless enjoyment for all concerned.

In order to achieve our aspirations, we need high quality, sustainable training facilities and practice nets that not only attract all people to the sport but make the whole town of Yeovil proud. The club has been working hard to raise funds, with funding secured from various sources, including YCC fundraising events such as our weekly lottery with over 70 members, quiz and bingo nights and the first ever “meet Santa day”.

However, despite these efforts we are still around £5,000 short.

We are appealing to the local community for their support to help us deliver this critical project in the next 2 months, so we can support youth cricket in Yeovil for summer 2025 and the foreseeable future.