Dean Cricket Academy all ready for the new season

February 19, 2020

Having been somewhat abandoned since 2018, Upper Dean Cricket Ground, Huntingdonshire has been given a new lease of life thanks to the combined efforts of Dean Cricket Academy and construction specialists, the Mick George Group.

The local business donated £19,192 to the cause and the funds have certainly been used to good effect, contributing towards a complete overhaul of the facilities which has been critical in bringing Cricket participation back to the village.

The phased project was split in to five specified areas; grounds maintenance, pitch refurbishments, storage, playing and training equipment, and site security, with the improvements in all areas very evident.

Some of the most notable additions include a new mower and junior bowling machine.

Having started the initiative by way of assets or infrastructure with almost nothing, Dean Cricket Academy is now fully prepared for the 50-plus fixtures that it will host across its Dean, Hunts and Beds Junior Teams, each of which will be competing against local and national opponents respectfully.

Having set out to achieve 80 junior members by the end of year two, the Academy has already secured 30 youngsters in just a matter of weeks.

Not content with the recent upgrades, plans are now being formulated to tackle the changing facilities.

Andy Bellamy, Chairman of Dean Cricket Academy commented: “The cricket academy is now ready for the 2020 season with the ground fully refurbished and all the equipment necessary to put both coaching and competitive games on throughout the season. Without the grant it would have taken a number of years to get to this stage, with junior cricketers of all ages missing out. We’re very grateful to the Mick George Group for their assistance.”