Fujifilm UK, dedicated to innovating towards a healthier world and sustainable society, has partnered with Southill Park Cricket Club to help support the team’s growth as an inclusive sports haven for the local Bedford community.
Providing vital funding throughout the three-year community partnership, this will allow the club to increase their offering to new and existing players alike, with a particular focus on diversifying their player base in 2023 and beyond.
Cricket is a sport that transcends generations, and at a community level has the ability to reach a diverse range of social boundaries and cultures, in a way that few other sports do.
Fujifilm UK will be working with the club to emphasise this; the club has already formed two programmes available for children between the ages of 5 and 11, from all backgrounds and skill levels. Offering their ‘Dynamo’ and ‘AllStars’ programmes, players will be introduced to the world of cricket over an eight-week course.
Martin Darlow, Chair of Southill Park Cricket Club said of the partnership:
Our partnership with Fujifilm UK will allow us to grow our club as an inclusive sports organisation, thanks to the funding we’ll receive over the next three years, enabling us to develop our offering to the local Bedford community. Fujifilm UK are known for supporting the local community through several partnerships already in place elsewhere; we’re very excited to have them on board.
In 2022, the club formed its first ever U11 girls cricket team and it is looking to build on this success; the club is actively seeking new players of all ages, genders, backgrounds and abilities for the 2023 season as part of their commitment to diversifying their teams.
Andy Ross, Fujifilm UK’s Head of Corporate Communications said:
We’re really excited to launch this multi-year partnership to support a local organisation in championing the value of equity, diversity and inclusion – and growing access to sport for everyone. As one of Bedford's biggest businesses, we're committed to creating lasting and meaningful relationships with the local community. This new partnership with Southill Park Cricket Club allows us to promote cricket as an inclusive, respectful sport at a community level while meeting our ESG goals as set out in Fujifilm's Sustainable Value Plan 2030.
For any further information on the club’s Dynamo and AllStars programmes, or if you’re interested in joining the club, please email membership@southillparkcricketclub.com.
For further information
Rhiannon Berriman, Corporate Communications Executive, FUJIFILM UK Limited rhiannon.berriman@fujifilm.com (+44)7464 923058