In this article for our website partner Flicx, we’re exploring the impact of the 2G Flicx pitch on communities in Sheffield.
Hamzah Hussain is the architect behind Cricket Arena; a community interest company that runs cricket tournaments in the city.
At the back-end of last year, they bought a beige-coloured Senior Multi Age Pitch and have been using it for competitions such the annual Junior Hundred for 12 to 15-year-olds from across Sheffield.
The 2G Flicx pitch was laid on top of an artificial football surface for an action-packed day; a project supported by Sheffield City Trust and Central Co-op.
With teams taking part from clubs and masjids, (mosques) as well as a windball tournament called the Ludo Cup, there’s always something going on.
How does the 2G Flicx pitch perform?
The advantages of the world-famous portable cricket pitch mat are perhaps best explained by Hamzah who has seen how performance of facilities matters:
“The 2G Flicx pitch has been a game-changer for us at Cricket Arena CIC. One of its biggest benefits is its portability. We can turn any 3G pitch into a cricket ground, which we do every week by taking it from our office to Concord Sports Centre. This flexibility is fantastic because it means we can bring cricket to places that wouldn’t otherwise have the facilities.”
With a Flicx, you get a roll-out cricket pitch that gives that match experience for players while being able to be used indoors or outside, on different surfaces.
“In terms of performance, once it’s rolled out flat, it’s very reliable and consistent, much better than playing directly on a 3G pitch. It’s an all-weather surface, so we can use it regardless of the weather, which is a massive plus.”
Hamzah added: “The pitch has good grip for spinners and plays well overall, though it does take a bit of getting used to as it’s different from a natural pitch in terms of pace and bounce. Still, it rewards good bowling and punishes poor deliveries, so the balance is just right.”
Flicx have gained a reputation for their pitches being used all over the world. They partner with County Boards and Foundations, supply schools and clubs and are used by families in the back garden.
Just in 2024, we’ve seen Flicx at an ECB tapeball event in Birmingham, the nation’s highest-ever cricket match at the top of Helvellyn and county festivals across the country.
Bring cricket to communities and open up venues
While one or two have copied Flicx in recent years, its design, performance, stellar feedback and dedicated team are reasons to buy the real deal – with Flicx now topping 25 years of serving cricket communities all over the world.
But perhaps one of the most satisfying aspects for Flicx is how the pitch can adapt all kinds of urban or rural locations into a temporary cricket pitch. This makes a great headline but it’s also incredibly powerful.
After all, there are many out there who want to play more cricket or try the game for the first time.
“With the Flicx pitch, we’ve been able to expand our reach significantly. It’s not just about having a new playing surface; it’s about the opportunities it creates.”
He adds: “These outdoor venues are perfect for summer, and they make cricket more attractive than indoor sessions, which are great but don’t offer the same appeal. This approach has been crucial in getting more young people involved in cricket, some of whom have never played before.”
Cricket Arena is an eye-catching example of offering cricket to communities in formats and at times that suit them. Their windball, eight-a-side tournament for local youths to get a taste of competitive cricket is another prime example.
Support from Sheffield City Trust subsidises the venue hire which keeps these bite-sized cricket experiences affordable – so it’s a viable alternative:
“Having floodlights means we can keep playing late into the evening, which is fantastic. This keeps young people off the streets and involved in something positive, helping them develop their skills and be part of a community.”
Diverse communities
The debate around cricket facilities continues in Yorkshire and nationwide: What’s available, how good are they and how to make them affordable and sustainable?
We’ve seen the impact at Bradford Park Avenue with the cricket dome – but I’m curious to hear Hamzah’s take on Sheffield and how facilities support diverse communities?
“Cricket is an excellent way to bring diverse communities together. It crosses language barriers and offers a shared passion that unites people from different backgrounds, including local residents and refugees. It’s something everyone can talk about and enjoy together, creating a strong, united community.”
How does the Flicx pitch fit in?
The beauty of the 2G Flicx pitch within this wider conversation is its simplicity: Just turn up and play.
No heavy roller or verticutting the square. It can work at a club or a school – but the magic is perhaps more striking in urban environments.
Despite clear investment in cities, there is still a pressing need for more:
Hamzah said: “Our youth group is predominantly British South Asian and they are incredibly passionate about cricket. They want to play every day, improve their skills, and have fun with their friends. With local youth clubs like Osgathorpe closing down, there’s been a real need for engaging activities. Our cricket programs fill that gap, offering exciting and meaningful activities during the summer.”
By making cricket facilities accessible and inclusive, we can continue to engage these communities. Cricket isn’t just a sport for them; it’s a way to socialise, grow, and develop as individuals.”
What does the future hold?
Hamzah doesn’t strike me as someone to rest on his laurels; there is always more to do.
I’m curious.
With a blank cheque, what would Cricket Arena CIC do in terms of facilities and programmes – and what role would the Flicx pitch play in that?
His vision is a covered outdoor space (Sheffield cricket dome, anyone?) to run leagues and programmes, indoors and outdoors, all year-round.
More outdoor areas for social cricket where the Flicx pitches can facilitate hardball, softball or tapeball would be significant in Sheffield too. It’s easier said than done but conversations with the Yorkshire Cricket Board and clubs in the city point to current and past successes.
While there is no magic blank cheque, there are ways to win incrementally. Hamzah has seen first-hand what works:
“We’d organise regular local and inter-city competitions, fostering healthy competition and community pride. These facilities and programmes would make cricket a central part of community life, reducing antisocial behaviour and promoting physical and social development among young people.”
As for Flicx, through their products, they continue to play a part in re-shaping what cricket can look like and who it reaches.
Contact Flicx
If you’d like to know more about 2G Flicx cricket pitches then their excellent website at flicx.com is a great start, packed with advice and examples.
There’s the 2G Flicx Pitch Club PDF Guide for 2024 available to download.
You can email Kate Costin (Marketing & General Manager) to discuss your club’s requirements or call the office on 01295 816765.
To follow Flicx on Twitter, head to @FlicxPitch or they are @flicxpitch on Instagram for the latest news and offers.
Thanks for reading! This is a sponsored article for Flicx – if the mood takes you, click to read Cricket Yorkshire’s policy on sponsored content.
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