Interest Free Loan
A scheme to finance capital projects to improve the long term sustainability of cricket clubs.What is the aim of the Interest Free Loan Scheme?
The ECB Interest Free Loan scheme aims to finance capital projects to help create a sustainable future for cricket.
The England and Wales Cricket Trust welcomes eligible ECB affiliated cricket clubs with junior sections to consider an interest-free loan to assist in the development of facilities on their ground(s).
Whether it is a sightscreen or a changing room the England and Wales Cricket Trust will allocate interest-free loans to clubs that meet set criteria up to £50,000 with a repayment period of up to five years.
Who can apply?
- All ECB affiliated cricket clubs
- Other organisations that can evidence achievement / delivery of the charitable aims of the EWCT
- Please note ECB Clubmark registration or accreditation is not a requirement
What types of projects are eligible?
Buildings
- Changing room development
- Clubhouse renovation
- Social area development
- Machinery store
- Score box
- Improvement in car parking facilities (for cricket purposes only)
- CCTV / security shutters (specifically to protect cricket buildings)
- Outdoor lighting (for security purposes)
- Energy consumption / saving systems
- Water consumption / saving systems
- Flood defence measures
Want to know more? Have a look at ECB’s technical guidance on Pavilions and Clubhouses (PDF).
Equipment Purchase
- Machinery
- Covers
- Sightscreens
- Scoreboard
- Mobile Net Cages
- Security/Protection (Perimeter fencing / ball stop netting
Land Purchase
- For cricketing purposes only
Fine Turf
- Square
- Outfield
- Drainage/Irrigation
- Flood defence measures
Want to know more? Have a look at ECB’s technical guidance on Fine Turf (External Link).
Non-Turf
- Non-Turf Practice Facilities
- Match Play Pitches
How much can be applied for?
- Cricket clubs with a junior section* £1,000 – £50,000
- Cricket clubs without a junior section £1,000 – £20,000
- Other organisations – subject to application
A cricket club with a junior section is defined as a cricket club that offers appropriate coaching and competition to cricketers under the age of 18 years.
How much partnership funding is required?
How do I apply?
Download and read the EWCT Interest Free Loan Scheme guidance notes (PDF).
Can you answer yes to the following questions?
a) Is your club/organisation eligible to apply to the scheme?
b) Is the project you are considering eligible?
If yes to both, please visit ims.ecb.co.uk (External Link) to register and apply.
Harry Watts / Club Development Manager
Harry joined the team in August 2022 as our Urban Development Officer and was initially responsible for growing the game of cricket in the urban areas of Bristol and Gloucester. In April 2024, Harry was promoted to Club Development Manager where he now delivers on a number of ECB priority areas including Facility Development, Clubmark, as well as working with Local Authorities on their Playing Pitch Strategies.
In 2018, Harry graduated from Swansea University with a degree in Media & Communications and later gained a PGCE in Primary Education from UWE, having spent multiple years working in primary schools. At his local club, Thornbury CC, Harry supports in different areas, including being an emergency player when required!
Now in his exciting role as Club Development Manager, he is responsible for leading the team of club development staff and working closely with cricket clubs across the county to provide direct support with the aim of creating sustainable clubs for the future. Furthermore, Harry leads youth competitions and the ECB Clubmark Accreditation and sits on a number of GCF Development Groups and Committees.
As a local Bristolian, Harry is a Bristol Rovers supporter and is a big all-round sports fan.