Cricket dome a 'game-changer' for state schools

Howzat for a new sports centre? Youngsters hone their skills in Darwen, whatever the weather

An all-weather dome aimed at making cricket more accessible particularly to children at state schools has officially opened in Lancashire.

The indoor facility at Darwen Cricket Club is only the second of its kind in the whole country, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said.

The Darwen Dome features three full-length pitches and can transform into a flexible space for coaching, matches, and community events.

ECB chairman Richard Thompson said: "We want every child, regardless of where they go to school, to have the opportunity to fall in love with cricket."

'Levelling the playing field'

England's first indoor dome opened two years ago at the Park Avenue ground in Bradford, West Yorkshire.

The government recently pledged £1.5m towards building two more domes - a second one for Lancashire in Farington and the other in Luton, Bedfordshire - which are expected to open next year.

Thompson said: "This is a game-changer for state school cricket in the North West."

He said the Darwen Dome was a "powerful step towards levelling the playing field" and would "become a real community asset".

Jen Barden, executive director of the Lancashire Cricket Foundation, said the facility was fantastic news for state schools in the local area.

She said it would provide "vital year-round access to keep young cricketers - including those taking their first steps into the game - engaged for the full year, rather than just during the summer months".

England bowler Kate Cross chats to two young cricketers at the new all-weather cricket dome in Darwen

Chris Lowe, chairman of Darwen Cricket Club, said: "It's a unique and exciting opportunity to make a difference to cricket and our community.

"Supporting cricket in local schools, strengthening our club, growing access for all to cricket across our region, and enriching the wider community."

The project has been developed in collaboration with Sir Rod Aldridge, founder of the Aldridge Foundation and Aldridge Education Multi Academy Trust.