In a significant boost for local sport, Lane Cove Cricket Club has illuminated its training facilities with a new $20,000 set of net lights, a project fully funded by the proceeds of the Toyota Good for Cricket raffle. This investment is proving to be a game-changer for the historic club's pre-season preparations and community engagement.
A Bright Idea for Winter Training
Club President Brendan Hood explained that the powerful lighting system has effectively turned night into day at their practice nets. This installation makes Lane Cove the only cricket club in New South Wales with such facilities, allowing the nets to be open to the public during winter evenings.
"The lights have been one of the biggest projects the raffle has paid for," Mr Hood said. He emphasised the newfound flexibility, which grants younger players more hours to train, accelerating their skill development. Crucially, it enables the club to commence a formal pre-season well before daylight savings begins, giving them a competitive edge.
Raffle Success Fuels Grassroots Growth
The club's participation in the Toyota Good for Cricket raffle over the past five to six years has yielded staggering results, raising an impressive $120,000. With a target of adding another $30,000 this season, the club has adopted a savvy strategy, providing each team with an individual raffle link to sell tickets within the community. To spur internal competition, the top-selling team wins a dinner out.
"The biggest incentive is every single dollar raised by the raffle goes back into the club and community," Mr Hood stated. This model has become the club's sole fundraiser due to its remarkable success, saving valuable time for volunteers with its simple online system.
Investing in the Future of Community Cricket
Founded in 1893, Lane Cove Cricket Club is one of Sydney's oldest and proudest, boasting nearly 500 members, including 305 juniors. The raffle proceeds directly support this growing community by funding essential infrastructure, equipment, and coaching.
A key focus for President Hood is making the sport more accessible. With junior season fees currently at $460, he is actively using the raffle funds to help lower costs. "Cricket should be for everyone, not just elites," he asserted. The club also runs a coaching program that brings young travellers from the UK to coach junior sides from under-9s to under-17s, a move that benefits both players and parents.
Mr Hood is a strong advocate for the Toyota initiative, urging other clubs to get involved and calling on Cricket NSW area managers to promote it actively. "The raffle gives back to the community and it all goes back to the club and straight into grassroots sports," he concluded.
