ECB Launch Emergency Support Programmes For Recreational Game

Cricket clubs and leagues are now able to apply to two new funding schemes specifically designed to help see them through the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Full information on both the Emergency Loan Scheme and the Return To Cricket Grant Scheme can be found below, or via the ECB website here.

The measures are part of a £61m package designed to support the whole game, with ECB having also announced measures to help lower central costs, and protect jobs in the long-term.

Director of Participation & Growth, Nick Pryde, said: "This is a very difficult time for our sport and for everyone involved in the recreational game across England and Wales.

"ECB understands the concerns of everyone involved in cricket and we want to be able to support. We hope that these Emergency Support Measures will be beneficial to you and your club.

"We would like to thank you for your efforts in working for your club, for your league and for the game throughout this difficult period, we understand it hasn't been easy.

"All of us at ECB will continue to listen to the recreational game and work with you to help support and guide. Together we can help our game overcome this challenge."

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1. EMERGENCY LOAN SCHEME

The ECB Emergency Loan Scheme aims to support affiliated cricket clubs during the COVID-19 crisis by providing funding to assist clubs to cover any shortfall in essential day-to-day running and maintenance costs until normal recreational cricket activity can be resumed.

Who can apply?

Clubs affiliated to their County Cricket Board in 2019 or 2020.

What will the scheme fund?

ECB will consider applications for costs for a period of up to 12 months. Clubs should calculate estimated shortfall in the following expenditure areas:

• Utility or service Costs
• Rental charges
• Staff costs (employees – not coaches or players)
• Cleaning or maintenance commitments
• IT licences
• Security
• Insurance
• Equipment orders that can’t be deferred or recovered
• TV / Broadband subscriptions (where it is not suspended)
• Affiliations
• Any other reasonable fixed and / or contracted cost

How much loan can I apply for?

Club with a junior section (including All Stars Cricket / Dynamos Cricket) between £1,000 and £5,000.

Club with an adult section only between £1,000 and £3,000.

How do I apply?

Clubs apply by clicking here.

Before applying, it is highly recommended clubs read the Emergency Loan Scheme guidance notes.

Where do I go for help?

If cricket clubs have any questions about the Emergency Loan Scheme please read the frequently asked questions or contact the facilities help desk by emailing loans@ecb.co.uk.

2. RETURN TO CRICKET GRANT SCHEME

The Return to Cricket Grant Scheme aims to provide cricket clubs and leagues with assistance in exceptional circumstances, where other potential sources of financial support are not available, e.g. constitutionally a loan is not an option or there is a high risk of default in paying back a loan.

Who can apply?

Clubs that are prevented from taking out an Emergency Loan by their own constitution or articles

Cricket leagues (open-age or junior)

Clubs that have an annual turnover of less than £15,000

What will the scheme fund?

Clubs and leagues can apply for:

• Utility or service costs
• Rental charges
• Staff costs (employees – not coaches or players)
• Cleaning or maintenance commitments
• IT licences
• Security
• Insurance
• Equipment orders that can’t be deferred or recovered
• TV / Broadband subscriptions (where it is not suspended)
• Affiliations
• Any other reasonable fixed and / or contracted costs

How much grant can I apply for?

Clubs with an adult Section only up to £1,000.

Leagues (open-age or junior) up to £2,000.

Clubs with a junior section (including All Stars Cricket / Dynamos Cricket) up to £3,000.

How do I apply?

Clubs and Leagues need to contact their County Cricket Board to discuss their situation and potential eligibility.

Before considering an application, it is highly recommended that clubs and leagues read the Return to Cricket Grant Scheme guidance notes to determine if they are eligible to apply.

Where do I go for help?

If cricket clubs or leagues have any questions about the Return to Cricket Grant Scheme please read the frequently asked questions or contact the ECB facilities help desk by emailing grantmanagement@ecb.co.uk.