Life-changing pitches: How Flicx's passion for cricket is having an impact on state schools

Artificial surface manufacturer is helping the state and independent sectors to cope with a growing demand among pupils

PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

It would be easy enough for cricket equipment manufacturers to stop caring about the players they cater for once the sale has been made.

At Flicx UK though, which has seen a recent boom in business due to an increased demand for artificial cricket pitches in both the state and independent school sectors, the passion for helping more young people to enjoy the game shines through.

The firm's commitment to the cause includes supporting several cricket festivals including the inaugural David Baker Cup held between all 6 secondary schools in the Trinity Multi Academy Trust at Barwick in Elmet CC, near Leeds.

"One lad came back reporting how much cricket had done for him," says Flicx marketing and general manger Kate Costin.

"Before, he was getting detention and even got expelled, but being part of a the new cricket team had given him a bit of a purpose, gave him real purpose and his behaviour really improved as a result.

"Cricket's really valuable in that way and we're keen to support schools in that mission."

Whether in the state or independent sector, Flicx is currently playing its part in helping teachers to cope with the increasing demand for cricket.

As long as a surface is firm and flat, with grass cut short, a Flicx pitch can be rolled out in five to 10 minutes.

All models are handmade to order in the UK too, assuring quality for recipients.

Independent schools the firm provides solutions for include Whitgift School, Reed's School, Bedford School, Kimbolton School, Oakham School, Bloxham School, AKS Lytham, Reigate Grammar School, St Swithun’s School and Aldro, among others.

"It's certainly our biggest market at the moment," says Costin.

The problem we're generally solving for the schools is they've got all of these teams, with girls' cricket having grown to a huge extent, but there's just not enough space to host matches and training.

"With Flicx pitches, you can convert a space usually used for football or rugby to be used for a cricket session.

"It's a very realistic surface, with consistent bounce, so batters can play their shots with confidence.”

As well at Trinity Academy Leeds, Flicx's other clients in the state sector include trailblazers like Heathfield Junior School, in Twickenham.

"The last year has been the biggest year we’ve had for state schools coming to us, which is really nice to see," says Costin.

"They're looking at how best to make use of their facilities because most of them don’t have groundsmen who can cut squares for them, but our pitches can be rolled out on a whole range of different surfaces.

"Some schools are hosting cricket on 3G artificial pitches because the pupils there are cricket mad and have really embraced it.

"They've got some really talented cricketers. It's really incredible how many state schools we get to work with and there are a lot of people banging the drum for cricket in the sector."

Flicx's work has caught the eye at higher levels too, with county boards including Surrey, Lancashire, Gloucestershire, Sussex and Oxfordshire are also counted among the company’s partners.

"For many different reasons, for many different schools, we're helping to solve the problem of hosting more cricket and getting more kids playing the game," concludes Costin.

That, surely, is a reason for all of us who love the sport to cheer.

For more information about Flicx pitches, visit www.flicx.com