The Christchurch Junior Cricket Association (CJCA) has secured funding for 35 artificial cricket pitches to be installed at Primary or Intermediate Schools in the greater Christchurch area – including Canterbury Country.
“This project is believed to be the largest of its type in New Zealand” says CJCA President, Brent McConchie.
“Alongside the need for great coaching, we’ve identified the quality of the playing surface as the biggest opportunity to help develop player skills. We’re delighted that funding providers have agreed with our views.
“As artificial pitches are very long lasting, this investment will have high value for tens of thousands of young players for many years to come.”
“Primary and Intermediate schools have struggled over recent years to prepare anything close to a good turf pitch. We believe the new pitches, together with other cricket resources we’ll distribute will make a big difference” said McConchie.
Junior cricket playing numbers increased 10% this season. With further growth expected, the additional pitches will be needed. Other CJCA initiatives include encouraging more adults to obtain coaching qualifications and a special focus to increase girls-only teams.
The CJCA has an enviable history of helping to identify and develop young talent. Those to be selected by the CJCA into higher grades of cricket for the first time have included New Zealand representatives: John Wright, Vaughan Brown, Chris Cairns, Sir Richard Hadlee, Stu Roberts, Mark Priest, Richard Petrie, Stephen Fleming, Lee Germon, Llorne Howell, Blair Hartland, Nathan Astle, Gary Stead, Craig McMillan, Chris Harris, Shane Bond and Michael Papps.
Significant contributions have been committed from Canterbury Community Trust, with strong support also from Southern Trust, Caversham Trust, Lion Foundation and Metro Charitable Trust.
Interested schools can obtain further information and register their interest to obtain an artificial pitch by e-mailing
