Ian Bell launches the new Edgbaston Foundation Sports Ground.
2015 saw the launch of the Edgbaston Foundation, the charitable arm of Warwickshire County Cricket Club. In partnership with the County Club and the Warwickshire Cricket Board (WCB), the launch of the Foundation has provided additional opportunities for local people to access sport and physical activity.
The first project for the Edgbaston Foundation was the redevelopment of the Edgbaston Foundation Sports Ground in Cape Hill, Birmingham. This facility, opened by England batsman and WCCC Captain Ian Bell, has enabled the Foundation to increase its visibility in the local community and provide a hub for junior, recreational and community sports projects in Birmingham. The Edgbaston Foundation is focused on increasing opportunities for members of the local community to access activities that will promote an active and healthy lifestyle.
I have been privileged to be part of the development programme with Warwickshire since the age of 11, and it’s great to see the Club increasing its investment in the local community and grassroots of the game.
Ian Bell, Captain of Warwickshire CCC
Discussions with Warwickshire CCC led to the Sports Club site being purchased by the Club for £1 in 2014, with Persimmon building the new £750,000 Pavilion and Warwickshire CCC redeveloping the site to create a new cricket pitch and outfield, training nets and a football pitch, together with retaining the existing bowling greens for the two bowls Clubs based at the ground.
Neil Snowball, Chief Executive of Warwickshire County Cricket Club, said: “Working with Warwickshire CCC and its sister organisation the Warwickshire Cricket Board (WCB), the new Foundation will provide facilities for sport and recreation and identify appropriate community projects to support in the region that promote healthy, active lifestyles.
“The newly developed Foundation Ground is already increasing the opportunities available for members of the local community to get involved in positive activities that promote an active and healthy lifestyle, a goal that is at the heart of the Edgbaston Foundation.”
“Our thanks go to Persimmon Homes Central, the England & Wales Cricket Board, Sport England and Birmingham City Council for helping us transform the site from a decaying former sports ground into a facility that will provide significant benefit to local people over the coming years.”
