The Importance of Indoor Cricket Nets:

Cricket is a sport beloved by many in our community, yet access to facilities is severely limited. While some state schools in Oxford have indoor cricket facilities, these are often fully booked by private clubs, and booking fees are prohibitively high. This leaves little to no access for other state school students and young players who have a genuine interest and potential in the sport.

In East Oxford, Blackbird Leys is an underprivileged area where accessible and affordable sports facilities are vital for youth development. Unfortunately, the lack of year-round cricket opportunities has led to many talented young players losing interest or turning to other sports. Cricket requires consistent practice, and limiting its play to the summer months hinders the growth of promising players.

Additionally, we all face the challenges of the British summer, with its unpredictable weather conditions often leading to cancelled or postponed matches. Many weekends of cricket are lost to rain, impacting both individual motivation and local clubs’ ability to retain young players. Indoor cricket facilities would provide a solution, enabling practice and play regardless of the weather, and keeping young players motivated and inspired.

Positive Engagement and Our Concerns:

We are pleased to note that Oxford City Council and More Leisure Centre have shown positive responses to our initial proposal. However, we are concerned that, due to funding challenges, this much-needed project may not come to fruition. This petition is intended to demonstrate the widespread support for indoor cricket nets at Leys Leisure Centre and the value they would bring to the community.

Why Leys Leisure Centre Needs Indoor Cricket Nets:

1. Accessibility for All: Indoor cricket nets would create opportunities for local state school students and community members who cannot access private facilities.
2. Retention of Talent: With consistent year-round training, talented young players will be encouraged to stay engaged and grow in the sport.
3. Weather-Proof Facilities: Indoor nets would overcome the limitations of the unpredictable British summer, ensuring that cricket is not disrupted by rain or other adverse conditions.
4. Community Impact: This project would strengthen the community by providing a constructive outlet for young people, fostering inclusivity through sport, and supporting local clubs to develop cricket further.

We urge Oxford City Council and More Leisure Centre to prioritise the installation of indoor cricket nets as part of the upcoming refurbishment of Leys Leisure Centre’s sports hall. This project is an investment in the future of our community, ensuring that young players have access to the resources they need to thrive.

This petition is initiated by Ashad Ali, and we hope it reflects the strong community backing for this proposal.

Thank you for considering this request. We look forward to seeing positive action to bring cricket nets to Leys Leisure Centre.

This ePetition runs from 13/12/2024 to 25/01/2025.

67 people have signed this ePetition.