Cricket Wales is calling on the business community to partner in delivering measurable social impact and breaking down barriers to sport across Wales.
Cricket Wales has become the first national governing body in Wales to achieve charitable status. Approval from the Charity Commission was granted in October and the organisation will now operate as a charity limited by guarantee, a move it says marks a new era for cricket in Wales.
It added that the milestone strengthens Cricket Wales’ position as a purpose-driven organisation, one committed to using cricket as a force for good, creating opportunities, and delivering genuine social value across Welsh communities.
As the national governing body for cricket in Wales and one of 39 County Cricket Boards that make up the England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB), Cricket Wales continues to be recognised by Sport Wales and the Welsh Government for its leadership in developing and supporting the game.
With Glamorgan Cricket leading on elite pathways and talent identification, Cricket Wales will now focus even more strongly on nurturing affiliated clubs and community organisations to ensure that the grassroots game thrives.
This strategic shift will see Cricket Wales prioritise breaking down barriers to access cricket in underserved areas, while driving towards gender parity across the sport.
The organisation is committed to supporting people with disabilities to participate and enjoy cricket, deepening connections with ethnically diverse communities, and addressing disparities in access to cricket across schools in Wales.
By concentrating resources and expertise on these grassroots initiatives, Cricket Wales aims to create a more inclusive and accessible cricket landscape that welcomes players and supporters from every corner of Welsh society. These aims form the heart of Cricket Wales’ strategic vision, Criced: A Sport for All, ensuring cricket becomes a truly inclusive, sustainable, and thriving sport in every corner of Wales.
Cricket Wales CEO Barry Cawte said:
“This is central to our strategy of Criced: A Sport for All. This is our bold, collective step forward. It is built on the firm belief that cricket can and must become a truly inclusive, sustainable, and thriving sport in every corner of Wales.
“It reflects the voices of our people, the needs of our communities, and the unwavering values we hold dear: Together, Lead, Care. We are protecting what’s precious in cricket, its spirit, its heritage, and its sense of belonging, while revolutionising its future for generations to come.”
Cricket Wales is now looking to build stronger relationships with the business community, aligning its charitable mission with companies’ social value and corporate responsibility goals.
“We want to increase our visibility within the business sector,” said Mark Frost, Partnerships Manager at Cricket Wales.
“Having charitable status sends a clear signal about how we can align the work of Cricket Wales, supporting communities and creating opportunities, with businesses’ own social impact aims. It also helps enhance their visibility and profile across Wales.”
Several companies have already joined Cricket Wales as Affiliate Partners, collaborating on projects that support clubs and local communities. These partnerships enable Cricket Wales to recommend trusted business partners to its network of more than 200 clubs and leagues, helping local economies thrive alongside the game.
“Once people find out what we do, many businesses are eager to explore how we can work together,” added Frost.
“We’re inviting more organisations to come on board and be part of this exciting journey.”
Businesses can become an Affiliate Partner, gaining promotion through Cricket Wales' extensive network of clubs, leagues, and community programmes, while aligning with a thriving sport that delivers measurable social value across Wales.
The organisation also welcomes those looking to leave a lasting legacy by considering cricket in their charitable giving or wills and encourages businesses to nominate Cricket Wales as their charity of choice to support lasting impact in Welsh communities.
For partnership enquiries or to discuss how your organisation can make a difference contact: mark.frost@glamorgancricket.co.uk
