A BRIGHT FUTURE

Easingwold Community Cricket Club on the Rise: A Community Hub with Ambition, Heart, and a Bright Future 

Easingwold Cricket Club continues to flourish, combining grassroots success with bold ambitions and a thriving community spirit that’s capturing attention well beyond North Yorkshire. 

 

Under the forward-thinking leadership of Chairman Ian Connell, the club has already seen an impressive £250,000 invested into infrastructure over the past few years. This funding has driven major improvements to the ground and facilities — including upgrades to the historic pavilion — creating a vibrant hub for cricket lovers of all ages and backgrounds. 

 

Now, the club is setting its sights on raising a further £250,000 to continue this ambitious transformation. The next phase of development includes additional pavilion enhancements, better training infrastructure, and expanded support for its ever-growing junior and girls' cricket programmes. 

One of the highlights of the club’s recent fundraising efforts was a spectacular exhibition match against the world-famous Lashings World XI, which featured cricketing legends Sir Curtley Ambrose and Courtney Walsh. The event drew a fantastic crowd, created a buzz throughout the town, and provided a significant boost to the club’s development fund. 

 

“It was an incredible day for everyone involved,” said Ian Connell. “Events like this show what’s possible when a community comes together, and they help us build something truly special for the future.” 

 

A key part of that future lies in the club’s commitment to youth and inclusion — particularly girls’ cricket, an area both Ian Connell and junior coach Steve Rowbottom are passionate about expanding. 

 

“We want every young person to feel welcome and have the opportunity to play, whether they’re picking up a bat for the first time or dreaming of county honours,” said Connell. “Girls’ cricket is a vital part of that vision.” 

 

That inclusive philosophy is already bearing fruit. The Under-11s were crowned league champions this season, a testament to the tireless work of Steve Rowbottom, whose coaching and leadership continue to inspire the next generation of players. 

“Our juniors are the heart of this club,” said Steve Rowbottom. “It’s especially rewarding to see more and more girls getting involved, growing in confidence and skill. The future looks really exciting.” 

 

With continued community support, Easingwold Cricket Club is well on its way to becoming one of the region’s leading grassroots cricket institutions — offering opportunity, excellence, and a place for everyone to enjoy the game. 

To learn more or support the club’s fundraising, visit their website or follow Easingwold CC on social media.