By Charles Randall
23 November 2015
The deadline for contacting the ECB about hosting an age-group national final in 2016 is fast approaching. Expressions of interest with a budget proposal should be lodged by 27 November.
Clubs, schools or colleges are eligible if they have the right facilities for a reasonable charge, though two grounds are needed for some events. Venues in the middle of England tend to be favoured to minimise likely travel time and costs.
The ECB said: “A number of fantastic venues have been used over the last few years and ECB have been delighted with service levels provided by schools and clubs. However, it is right that ECB consider options from time to time especially with high levels of investment having been placed into cricket grounds and facilities in some clubs and schools.”
National finals tend to attract committed spectators and corporate opportunities for the hosting venue. There is a wide variety of ECB competition, ranging from regional girl under-11 softball to over-50 men's county championship final.
Some events might include the need for accommodation on site, so this requirement could suit a school with its own boarding accommodation, though others might need a local hotel as the main accommodation base. The ECB emphasised that all events would require some degree of catering provision, either just food during a break in innings or, for those staying on site, breakfast and perhaps evening meal.
Detailed requirements for each event can be found on the ECB website:
www.ecb.co.uk/sites/default/files/ecb_nfc_finals_hosting_document_2016.pdf
2016 events (usually one or two days midweek)
U13 National Club Championship (Group and national finals)
U15 National Club Championship (Group and national finals)
U15 County Cup finals
U17 County Cup finals
Over-50 County Championship final
Girls U13 County Cup finals
Girls U15 County Cup finals
Girls U17 County Cup finals
Lady Taverners U11 & U13 Softball regional finals
Lady Taverners U13 & U15 Club T20 finals
Women’s regional club league finals
www.ecb.co.uk/sites/default/files/ecb_nfc_finals_hosting_document_2016.pdf
Queries:
aaron.campbell@ecb.co.uk