Gedling and Sherwood Cricket Club awarded £500 through RBC Workforce Grant
Last updated: 23/5/2025
A Rushcliffe-based cricket club has been awarded £500 through Rushcliffe Borough Council’s (RBC) new Workforce Grant to support volunteer training in grounds maintenance.
Gedling and Sherwood Cricket Club, based at The Regatta Way Sports Pavilion in Gamston, used the funding to upskill six volunteers through the Grounds Management Association (GMA) Level 1 Cricket Grounds Maintenance accredited training.
The initiative aims to ensure continuity in the club’s groundskeeping team as long-serving volunteers prepare to retire.
Launched in March, the Rushcliffe Sports Grant - Workforce provides support for training in areas such as coaching, officiating, grounds maintenance and safeguarding.
The cricket club submitted a one-year project plan as part of its application, outlining the club’s long-term commitment to developing the workforce.
RBC’s Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Wellbeing, ICT and Member Development Cllr Jonathan Wheeler recently visited Gedling and Sherwood Cricket Club to see the impact of the training first-hand.
Rushcliffe Borough Council’s Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Wellbeing, ICT and Member Development Cllr Jonathan Wheeler said: “This year we’re delighted our Workforce Grant is helping to give clubs a £500 boost to ensure they continue to thrive by investing in their team of volunteers.
“This funding has supported Gedling and Sherwood Cricket Club by giving six volunteers the opportunity to qualify in grounds maintenance, which is crucial for helping to sustain the club for the future as their long-serving volunteers retire.
“Volunteers are the driving force behind local sports clubs, and we’re pleased that we can support the cricket club which is enjoyed by local players, families and friends.”
Club Treasurer and retiring groundsman Pat Carmody said: “I’ve been volunteering here for over 12 years and I’ve loved every minute of it.
“I’m ready to retire and take a step back from my groundskeeping role and it’s the right time for someone else with the right training to take over.
“The courses funded by RBC’s Workforce Grant have really helped to sustain a new generation of volunteers and I hope they will enjoy the work just as much as I have.”
Cricket groundsman Dr Peter Miller added: “I’m thankful to Rushcliffe Borough Council for supporting our training. Getting the next generation of groundsmen trained is absolutely vital because without the volunteers, there’s no cricket played.
“Two of my sons play here and I’ve been involved in the club for the past 15 years through playing, scoring and supporting so I’m pleased to put something back into the club that’s given my family so much.”
