Rotary Club of Erdington established the new project in April to provide cricket facilities at Spring Lane Playing Fields in partnership with Changing Lives Through Rugby and Erdington RFC.
Youngsters have been able to take part in free coaching sessions on Thursday evenings as well as a school holiday scheme at the site.
Events were coached by Ray Kelly from Aston Manor Cricket Club and funded by Birmingham City Council.
The project has also been financially supported by, among others, Arnold Clark Ltd, Peddimore Trust, Aston Unity Cricket Club and the England and Wales Cricket Board.
But this is a genuine community partnership between all of us, we could not do this alone.”
Chairman of the new Erdington Cricket Club CIC, Gary Dancer spoke of the support that the cricket club provides and the changes it has been making to people.
He said: “Rotary has supported Changing Lives Through Rugby for several years.
“We have also now provided two of the directors for this cricket venture and we use our business skills and contacts to support the project and make it work.
“We want more local young people to come along and try both cricket and rugby.
“We believe that organised sport is a very important part of educational activities, especially rugby and cricket because they require discipline and teamwork.
“These two sports are often difficult to access due to financial constraints on families. All our coaching is free to under 18’s. We are open to all young people regardless of their background.”
Young people having a briefing wearing their sponsored t-shirts.
He added: “We are delighted to receive the Inspired to Play Grassroots Cricket Award because it is a testament to the hard work of everyone involved, especially team captain David Owen.
“David is also the groundsman; he is the heart and soul of the club.”
Gary said: “We hope to build on this next season when we will be joined at Spring Lane by Aston Unity CC which will make a huge difference to what we can offer our young people.
“We want to give as many kids as possible the opportunity to play cricket.
“I am very pleased and proud about what we have achieved so far, we are much more than just a Cricket club, I genuinely believe that we have created a sustainable partnership project that will change the lives of young people and their families through sports and the opportunities that can come from that.
David is also the groundsman; he is the heart and soul of the club.”
“This is what Rotary does when it is at its best, it brings together people from all walks of life and creates real change in the world.
“But this is a genuine community partnership between all of us, we could not do this alone.”
Anyone who can support the Santa in Spring Lane event by offering their time or a tree, decorations, or gifts, is invited to contact Gary Dancer on 07500 902944 or via email.
Gary said: “We decided that we wanted to create an event for Christmas to keep this community spirit going during the winter when there is no cricket being played.
“The purpose of the event is to give families a chance to enjoy Christmas at a reasonable cost so that children don’t miss out on the chance to meet Santa.”
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