Newlands Sports has expanded its partnership with Durham Cricket Foundation, supporting three key initiatives that will help grow the game and create more opportunities for people of all ages and abilities across the North East.
The local family-run sports shop is backing the Foundation’s fundraising efforts for the Great North Run, the SEND Player Pathway programme and, for a second consecutive year, investing in the growth of women’s recreational cricket by donating ten specialist kit bags for the community clubs.
The latest contribution builds on an already successful partnership between the Foundation and Newlands Sports, where the donation of ten women’s cricket kit bags will be distributed to cricket clubs across the North East that are launching or developing new women’s softball cricket sections. The initiative is designed to remove some of the barriers faced by clubs looking to introduce opportunities for women and girls to get involved in the game.
Alongside supporting female participation, Newlands Sports has also become an official supporter of the Foundation’s SEND Player Pathway programme. The pathway provides regular coaching and competitive opportunities for young people with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring participants can continue to develop their skills within an inclusive and supportive environment.
The partnership also extends beyond cricket delivery, with Newlands Sports supporting Durham Cricket Foundation’s team of runners taking part in this year’s Great North Run. Funds raised through the event will help the Foundation continue delivering life-changing programmes that improve physical health, mental wellbeing and community connections across the region.
Graeme Weeks, Chief Executive Officer at Durham Cricket Foundation, said: “We are incredibly grateful for the new and continued support from Newlands Sports. Partnerships like this make a real difference to the work we do every day.”
Amanda Kettle, Founder of Newlands Sports said: “Peter and I are incredibly proud to partner with Durham Cricket Foundation. Supporting grassroots cricket has always been at the heart of Newlands Sports, and this partnership perfectly reflects the values we have built our business on.
For us, it’s never just been about selling cricket equipment, it’s about giving back to the communities that have supported us from the very beginning. We believe cricket has the power to bring people together, create opportunities and inspire the next generation, regardless of age, ability or background.
By supporting Durham Cricket Foundation and the fantastic initiatives they deliver across the North East, we’re investing in the future of the game and helping ensure that more people have the chance to get involved, enjoy cricket and reach their potential. We couldn’t be more excited to play our part.”
The strengthened partnership highlights a shared ambition to create lasting opportunities within grassroots cricket while supporting programmes that positively impact communities throughout the North East.