IG opens grassroots net facilities with help from England cricket stars

IG, the global investing and trading platform and Official Investment Platform of the England Cricket team, has this week opened a number of new grassroots cricket net facilities in Nottingham and Surrey to help grow the game of cricket across the country.

Working alongside the ECB and local county teams and councils, IG’s Net Gains initiative outlines the brand’s commitment to invest in new public cricket net facilities across the country, giving local communities access to invaluable practice facilities which are integral to their development.

This week, IG invited England stars Amy Jones, Heather Knight and Adil Rashid down to a series of events to provide exciting net sessions for local grassroots teams and the facilities.

On Monday, Amy Jones (England, Warwickshire, The Blaze) visited West Park Cricket Centre in West Bridgford, Rushcliffe where she hosted a cricket masterclass for local school children from West Bridgford School. Fellow players from The Blaze Cassidy McCarthy and Olivia Baker were also there on the day to play a few games with the children and provide some tips.

The nets at the West Park Cricket Centre support Rushcliffe Council’s wider aims to develop facilities and give additional opportunities for grass roots cricket, including a focus on encouraging more women and girls participating in the game.

Wednesday saw Heather Knight and Adil Rashid head down to Alexandra Recreation Ground in Surbiton, Surrey to surprise a local group of cricketers to lend a hand with tips and advice. London Gymkhana CC men’s and junior teams were taking part in their usual training session when Knight arrived to have a knock.

Heather Knight, said: “Quality net facilities are so important for a cricketer’s development. It’s great to see IG and the ECB working together to build new facilities all over the country which will hopefully help get more youngsters into cricket!

“We had a brilliant session with girls from Surbiton High School and London Gymkhana. I loved being part of the net session in full flow and there was some serious talent on show.”

Elise Ash, Director of Brands and Communications, IG, said: “Net Gains is a fantastic initiative we have been working on with the ECB for the last few years. It’s brilliant to see all the planning and hard work finally come to life with these new net facilities. At IG, we’re really passionate about the next generation of cricketing talent so we want to support the growth of young players and grassroots cricket across the country. We can’t wait to see even more net facilities open this year.”

Dan Musson, Head of Facilities Planning at the ECB said: “We are delighted to see these new facilities open in West Bridgford and Surbiton, addressing the huge demand for cricket in these areas. Local authorities are under increasing financial pressure on a number of fronts, making collaborations and partnerships vital for developing sports facilities.

“Working with an engaged commercial partner in IG, progressive local authorities, and community focussed County Cricket Clubs in Surrey and Nottinghamshire has enabled us to develop an elite-quality practice facility that will be accessible to people locally.

“The new facilities will benefit a range of organisations ensuring the next generation of players has the opportunity to develop through cricket.”

IG and the ECB will continue building new net facilities across the country, with more planned to open in 2025 including Newham, Manchester, Leeds, and Birmingham.