THE David Shepherd Cricket Trust has linked-up with the Tolchards Devon Cricket League to offer clubs help to grow.

The Discretionary Development Grant Scheme aims to support member clubs who are either starting, or expanding their junior section or providing opportunities for women and girls or potential players with disabilities.

Grants are capped at £350 per club. The Trust and the League will share the expense on a 50-50 basis. Clubs not in the DCL can apply direct to the DSCT for assistance with similar initiatives.

Gavin Lane, the treasurer of the DSCT, said building the volunteer base at clubs is a priority for the charity.

“We recognise that encouraging additional volunteer resource in support of this work is critical, therefore schemes that include innovative ways of volunteer recruitment and retention will be encouraged,” said Lane.

“The scheme will also consider support for clubs wishing to adopt digital on-line scoring and the training and education of young officials.”

Coach education has been an aim of the Trust since it was created more than a decade ago and remains in place under the new partnership.

“We will pay 50 per cent of course costs, which are £75 for an ECB Foundation One coach and £150 for an ECB Core coach,” said Lane.

“Many clubs have young people keen to become coaches and we feel it is important to encourage them.”

Some equipment purchases are allowed under the new scheme, but not individual items such as batting gloves.

“We supported one club last year with a colts kit bag to help their young players transition from softball to hardball cricket,” said Lane.

Full details of both schemes can be found on the League’s Play-Cricket site at Devon Cricket League (play-cricket.com) where application forms and key contacts are also available.