Children from West Jesmond Primary School with, from left to right, James Morgan, operations manager at Northumberland Cricket Board; Michael Mitten, local resident and parent; Pauline Summerhill; Nick Atkinson, vice chair of the Freemen of Newcastle upon Tyne; and councillor Khaled Musharraf Picture: Barry Pells Photography

Children bowled over by new cricket facility

A Newcastle landowner has stepped up to the crease with a fresh investment in green space and youth sport.

The Freemen of Newcastle upon Tyne have installed a new artificial cricket pitch on land next to Forsyth Road, in Jesmond.

West Jesmond Primary School pupils were among the first to give it a spin, joined by representatives from the ECB and Northumberland Cricket Board.

The pitch forms part of the Freemen’s wider work to promote outdoor play, community activity and biodiversity across the city, alongside managing major green spaces and events including The Hoppings and the forthcoming ‘Come Together’ music festival.

Nick Atkinson, vice chair of the Freemen of Newcastle upon Tyne, said: “Forsyth Road Playing Fields is one of the many areas we are privileged to steward as part of the various Town Moors - over 1000 acres of open land at the heart of this city.

“Some of these moors are grazed by cattle, but others, like this one, are set aside solely for public air and exercise.

“With support from the ECB and Northumberland Cricket Board, we secured funding to install an artificial wicket and create a lasting space for grassroots sport.

“This new pitch is freely available to everyone, regardless of age, background or ability.

“We want residents, families and schools to feel empowered to come down and enjoy it.

“It was brilliant to see the children from West Jesmond Primary School out there enjoying the game – that's exactly what this pitch is for.”

James Morgan, operations manager at the Northumberland Cricket Board, added: “We know there’s huge enthusiasm for cricket in the North East, but a real shortage of places to play – particularly in urban areas.

“This initiative helps remove those barriers.

“You don’t need a full team or expensive kit to get started. It’s about turning up, having a bat and a ball, and just playing.

“That’s the spirit we’re trying to grow.”

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