Young cricketers in Sheffield will be able to access better facilities and training thanks to a community grant from the National Express Foundation.

Sheffield’s Cricket Arena CIC has been awarded a grant of £1000, which will enable them to provide dynamic sports facilities and activities to people aged 15-19.

Cricket Arena’s youth programme is already having a positive impact on the local community, and this grant will help to keep the cost of participating in the activities affordable by supporting the costs of venue hire, coloured playing kits and cricket equipment.

An anticipated 90% of participants to the club will come from ethnic minority communities, something National Express is proud to support in its continued efforts to encourage diversity.

Since 2012, the National Express Foundation has provided more than £1.5 million of funding to community organisations that work alongside young people, helping them to develop key skills and gain valuable life experiences. The Foundation’s grant programme for 2023 received over 600 applications, with 32 being ultimately successful.

Chris Raybould, Community Engagement Coordinator at National Express, said: “As the market leader in coach travel, we understand that it is our responsibility to support the communities that we serve. We recognise the challenges that many young people face within urban areas finding the right opportunities for them, and we are proud to support initiatives like Cricket Arena and the amazing work that they do.”

Hamzah Hussain, Director of Cricket Arena CIC, said: “We are immensely grateful for the National Express Foundation's support of our MBL Youth Indoor Cricket Project. This initiative is key in bringing together 60 young individuals from diverse areas of Sheffield, promoting not only sportsmanship but also community bonding, personal growth, and skill development. Thanks to this support, Cricket Arena CIC can continue making cricket a tool for positive change in our community.”