A modern turf and hard wicket training facility is officially open at the home of the Marshall Cricket Club.
The Bears have been based at South Barwon Reserve on Barwon Heads Road, Belmont since 1934, where players made use of a three-pitch hard wicket training facility that was built in the 2000s and was in disrepair.
The $446,000 project was proudly funded by the Australian Government’s Community Development Grants Programme ($237,000), Victorian Government’s Community Sports Infrastructure Fund ($194,000) and Marshall Cricket Club ($15,000).
The City of Greater Geelong provided project support through the scoping and planning stages, facilitated the funding requirements and milestone reporting, and liaised between state and federal representatives.
The brand-new training facility is set to expand capacity at training sessions and boost participation rates for the club which has experienced significant growth.
The location of the old training nets, which didn’t meet current standards and provision levels, led to many training sessions being reduced down to two nets due to poor light from shadowing and wetness. This limitation reduced the training time available for both junior and senior training programs.
The new infrastructure includes sufficient storage for equipment used to maintain the facility and the club’s turf wicket for games.
Member for Corangamite Libby Coker
These fantastic new facilities are funded with $237,000 from the Federal Government, $194,000 from the Victorian Government, and $15,000 from the club itself, and include a new turf and hard-wicket training facility that will help inspire a new generation of Aussie cricketers.
Boasting five senior teams, four junior boys’ teams and the ‘Blasters’ program with 30 participants, cricket is alive and well in Marshall and I hope these new facilities are enjoyed for many years to come.
Christine Couzens MLA, Member for Geelong
The State Government is proud to support the Marshall Cricket Club with their new training facilities.
I congratulate the club on their work to provide first class facilities for their members to enjoy, and to help the club grow in the future.
Councillor Ron Nelson
Council is proud to support Marshall Cricket Club through the process.
The City initiated the project and provided ongoing guidance to the club as it navigated the design and construction of the modern turf and hard wicket training facility.
The Bears can now cater for the significant growth it has experienced over the last few years as interest in cricket skyrockets among juniors and seniors.