Hoon Hay Primary School show off their new artificial pitch Photograph © CCA

Thorrington Primary School's new artificial pitch Photograph © CCA

Over the winter months the Canterbury Cricket Association has been working with primary and intermediate schools to implement a plan simply called "The Artificial Plan". In essence the plan outlines the process of constructing an artificial cricket pitch in school grounds, and covers such aspects as the material required and the timeframe of the project.

Doug McSweeney and Mike Harvey have been coordinating the project and commented that the artificial plan is a real winner. "The funding of the project has been a key aspect, and with the New Zealand Cricket Foundation supporting the project financially, schools have had no hesitation implementing the plan" said Harvey.

With other funding streams available, the total cost of the project can be covered and the schools funding commitment can be minimised. "We have been assisting schools with funding application, making it as easy as possible to get the project up an running" said McSweeney.

One of the outcomes of the artificial plan is creating a link between clubs and schools "We are involving the cricket clubs close to the schools to become involved with the project, and utilise the pitch on weekends, and over the long term this will improve relationships between the schools and clubs," McSweeney said.

Currently five schools have received approved funding from the New Zealand Cricket Foundation, with another nine schools working through the planning process. Two schools, Hoon Hay and Thorrington, have already had their pitch laid.

"We hope to get a cricket pitch in every primary school in Christchurch, similar to the basketball backboard and hoop," Harvey said.

© Canterbury Cricket Association