CISWO – The Coal Mining Charity – are supporting trustees from Mapperley Plains Recreation & Social Club as they urge residents, cricket supporters and community partners to back a new fundraising campaign to help restore the Women and Girls’ Cricket Pavilion at Mapperley Plains Recreation & Social Club.
CISWO’s grants team has been working with the club’s trustees in their application for £10,022 in match funding from Sport England’s Movement Fund for the project. To unlock this grant, the club must raise at least £10,022 in community donations.
Over £4,000 has already been raised but much more is needed to complete the refurbishment and reopen the pavilion, which has been closed since 2024 due to severe roof leaks and floor rot. Its closure has removed essential private changing facilities, prayer space, and accessible areas for disability cricket and community groups.
Nicola Didlock, Chief Executive of CISWO, said:
“This project is an important investment in inclusive sporting facilities for the local community. By supporting the match‑funding campaign, individuals and organisations can directly contribute to reinstating safe, modern amenities for women, girls and disabled players. Every donation, regardless of size, moves us closer to reopening a facility that plays a vital role in community sport and wellbeing.”
Mapperley Plains Recreation & Social Club trustee David Stanley said:
“Girls want to feel comfortable in their own environment so they can express themselves, and having a dedicated space where they can display their honours and trophies is an important part of that. Refurbishing the pavilion will also help expand community facilities, giving more people a welcoming place to connect.”
Gedling Colliery Cricket Club, which is based at the recreation ground, continues to grow its women, girls’ and disability cricket programmes, and players have highlighted how vital the pavilion is for dignity, privacy and team connection. Refurbishing the building will also allow disability cricket sessions, St John Ambulance training and other community activities to resume.
CISWO and Mapperley Plains Recreation & Social Club are encouraging everyone who values sport, inclusivity, and community wellbeing to support the campaign and help secure the match funding needed. Anyone wishing to donate can do so online at: www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/women-and-girls-cricket-pavilion-refurbishment
All donations will go directly to the Trust to refurbish the Women and Girls’ Pavilion and restore it as a hub for inclusive cricket in Mapperley.