Visitors will be able to toast the success of a flourishing community club with a cool drink thanks to a donation from Broadacres.

Great Ayton Cricket and Football Club has been an integral part of the North Yorkshire village for many decades, with cricket first believed to have been played at the Leven Park ground nearly 100 years ago.

As with many such clubs, it is run by a small number of dedicated volunteers and fundraisers. The club offers not only sport and recreation but also a chance to meet up and socialise with friends in the clubhouse and the £350 grant from Broadacres has already been put to good use.

“With community clubs there are always things that need to be repaired or bought and so grants such as the one from Broadacres are absolutely vital,” said club secretary Julie McLuckie.

“The cold drink fridge is many years old and was second hand when we got it. It was leaking so much we had to constantly mop up pools of water, so the grant has enabled us to buy a new one which has made a big difference.”

With ten junior plus adult football teams, men’s and women’s cricket teams and over 100 junior cricketers, plus four darts teams, the club is enjoying a surge in popularity. It is open every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, during the summer months as well as some weekday nights, and opens for ladies’ darts on a Monday evening, men’s darts on a Thursday evening and every Saturday during the winter months.

They also host social events such as summer strawberry teas, fundays, presentation nights, live bands, and gatherings to watch big sporting events on the large TV screens all aimed at raising funds to support the Club.

“We aim to be a positive community asset and are happy to host a range of social events as well as sport,” said Julie. “Non-members are also welcome and can be signed in.”

The Broadacres Community Development Fund supports local organisations, groups, and projects in areas where Broadacres has homes. All grants are approved by the Association’s own residents.

To apply to the Fund visit https://www.broadacres.org.uk/customer-area/getting-involved/community-development-fund/