Purley on Thames CC

Many thanks to those of you who took the time to complete the 2025 End of Season Survey.

The committee, over the course of the last few months, has reviewed your responses and we are pleased to share an overview of these, based on the top 5 areas, as follows:

 What the club did well

• ●Inclusive growth: Increased participation of women, girls, juniors, and walking cricket.
• ●Social engagement: More social events (BBQs, quiz), improved atmosphere.
• ●Facilities upgrades: New sight screens, covers, ropes; better equipment.
• ●Pathways: Strong junior-to-senior transition and opportunities for young players.
• ●Team success: Promotions for senior teams and good overall results.

Action: Build on these successes into 2026

 Areas for improvement

• ●Training facilities: Lack of permanent nets and limited practice opportunities.
• ●Committee structure: Need clearer roles, fresh ideas, and better engagement.
• ●Communication: Event planning, clarity on winter nets, and use of modern tools (website/app).
• ●Social calendar: More consistent and inclusive events.
• ●Clubhouse & amenities: Upgrade toilets, improve welcoming environment.

Action: See top priorities below. In addition we would ask that if you wish to take a committee / leadership role within the club you speak to an existing committee member to discuss opportunities.

 Top priorities for future

1. Permanent net facility (most frequently mentioned).

   The previous fixed nets on the Lower Goosecroft had become unsafe and were decommissioned in 2024.

   Since then, the committee has been in discussion with key stakeholders (Parish Council, Sulham Estates) to identify alternative locations to establish permanent net facilities. Currently, there are no alternative locations available to us.

   As a temporary solution, we acquired a second mobile net cage and more recently we replaced the non-turf pitch (artificial wicket), funded in part by an £8,000 ECB County Grant. We continue to explore non-permanent alternatives to meet training demands and will invest accordingly for the right solution.

   We continue to review the situation, albeit providing a permanent facility is unlikely in the short-term.

   Members should be made aware that we were quoted costs in excess of £40,000 to provide a new two-lane permanent net facility (subject to the availability of a suitable location, which is not currently available). Clearly, expenditure of this nature would require significant consideration and planning.

2. Second ground development at the Goosecroft.

   Some committee members are part of the Goosecroft Extension Working Group alongside representatives from the Parish Council and Purley Jubilee FC for the Goosecroft Extension project.

   The working group has been tasked to identify and assist the Parish Council in securing funding (in excess of £500,000) to convert the site from its current agricultural use to a new sports field.

   The ECB, through Berkshire Cricket, has expressed an interest and discussions are ongoing.

   Updates to follow in due course.

3. Improved clubhouse and toilets.

   As tenants, we are limited in terms of any improvements and changes that can be made to the pavilion. The Parish Council has a plan of maintenance and upgrades that they have agreed to consult on with us.

   We are exploring funding opportunities via the County Grant Fund to make alterations to the changing room configuration etc, all of which would be subject to Parish Council approval.

   Pending any material changes to the pavilion, the 2026 Get Set Weekend included refreshing / redecorating the changing rooms, the toilets and the entrance vestibule.

4. Better communication tools (website/app).

   The committee is open to exploring alternatives to the current operating platform (Hitssports). We will shortly be trialling Spond and Crickey on a team specific basis.

   If you  have experience using other tools with sports teams/clubs, please let us know by replying to this email.

5. More social events and volunteer engagement.

Improved social events / engagement were a highlight of 2025 and we are keen to build on this success.

At our 2025 AGM we proposed the establishment of a Social Committee and recruitment is underway.  We have already recruited representatives for most of the junior and girls’ teams, and we would welcome interest from the women’s, senior and walking cricket teams as well, so that we can organise events that are attractive to all sections of the club. Membership of the Social Committee is open to other family members/partners, not just players, so please do share this opportunity. To express an interest in joining the Social Committee, please reply to this email.