Following what seems like a long run at Croft indoors, I’m sure everyone is buzzing to get back outside at the home of cricket in Swindon, the SCC County Ground. The text below is intended as a one stop for most questions players may have as we approach the season.

Membership – Please ensure these are paid ASAP. Memberships are required in order to use the clubs facilities, to book the nets and be eligible for selection. The memberships help us cover substantial club running costs and help us maintain County leading facilities. You can pay in full or as a split payment - CLICK HERE. A reminder that this year membership comes with a FREE 2025 playing shirt worth £35.

Player sponsors - there is still time, up to the first league game, to secure yourself a player sponsor. If you do this, you will benefit from FREE Saturday match fees all season. Full details are HERE or from Sam Giddings.

First outdoor training sessions – 1st/2nd XI squads Tuesdays from 1st April. All other teams Wednesdays from 2nd April. Generally, 18:00-20:00, although early and late season sessions may be impacted by fading light. NOTE: We are awaiting new sheets for the nets, so at present, please ensure all kit and changing/padding up takes place OUTSIDE the nets cage.

Training can be impacted by wet weather. If this is the case, we will communicate via Pitchero, Whatsapp groups (if you aren’t in one, please ask your captain to add you) and the clubs social media. On Pitchero, please ensure your contact information is up to date, all fields are completed on your profile and you have a date of birth entered, as without one you will not receive our messages!

New members are always welcome – please drop us a message at swindoncricketclub@gmail.com to get the ball rolling.

Nets access – As per previous years Skedda will once again be used so that PAID UP members can book net lanes for use. This system will go live in the next week so please keep an eye out for a separate article on this.

1-2-1 training – club Coach Wayne and overseas player Seb (arriving late April) offer additional 1-2-1 coaching based out of the club. If you need some extra help with your game, please speak to them directly with regards to availability and prices.

Get Set Day is this weekend and WE NEED YOUR HELP! This Saturday 5th April we have a working party at the County Ground from 9am to lunchtime to get the club ready for the 2025 season. We really need some muscle to help us move benches, sort the covers, set up sight screens and much more. We look forward to seeing you there.

Kit – While members receive a FREE 2025 playing shirt worth £30, there is much more club kit available from our supplier, including a wide range of training gear and the NEW yellow club kit - https://teamshop.nxt-sports.com/swindon-cricket-club

If you have any old kit, please feel free to utilise the whatsapp groups to sell/exchange, or if you would like to donate it to the club please see Kev or Daniel.

Social media – as well as the website, we often post on our social media channels. Please give us a follow on Facebook, X and Instagram.

Matches – All preseason and league matches are now loaded on to Pitchero. If you cannot see these on Pitchero, please update your profile for the relevant teams. The first preseason matches take place Saturday 12th April and the first league games Saturday 3rd May. Teams will be picked in line with our selection policy, with players notified by the Wednesday evening preceding the match, at the latest.

Volunteers – the club is run and maintained by a small group of committed volunteers. As the club has seen rapid growth over recent years, we are looking for more people to get involved – players, parents, wider family members, friends, work colleagues etc. can all help out and be proud of having an impact in their local community (and use the experience to enhance CVs, get that promotion etc). We are currently looking for help in the following areas: bar volunteers, general ground volunteers and pavilion volunteers (week to week tidying/cleaning). If you can help out please approach Kev, Daniel or email us at swindoncricketclub@gmail.com

Pre league season players meeting – date TBC, but we will try and align to a training session.

An exciting summer lies ahead, and it will be great to get players back on to the field and socialising at the club.

Go well!