Victory Cricket Club has officially established a new home at Derby Leisure and Events (DLEV), marking an exciting milestone for the club and increasing playing capacity for cricket across Derby.
The cricket square, which has been out of use for several years, has been fully restored thanks to the combined efforts of Victory CC and DLEV, with support from the Derbyshire Cricket Foundation in planning and delivery. The revitalised ground allows Victory CC to host home fixtures for the first time and opens up opportunities for local schools, community groups, and recreational cricket programmes to enjoy high-quality playing facilities.
Charlie Storr, Facilities Lead at Derbyshire Cricket Foundation, said:
"It's been fantastic to support this project and to see cricket established again at Derby Leisure and Events. Facilities like this are vital to growth of the game in Derbyshire, and we're thrilled to have extra capacity in playing facilities in Derby. It's brilliant that Victory CC and the wider community will now benefit from having a high-quality ground to call home."
Mike, from Larch Groundworks, who carried out the restoration work commented:
"To see a site that had previously been a high-quality cricket facility brought back into use was extremely satisfying. DLEV, Victory CC and the DCF were so helpful to us during the planning process and the works went extremely well. I am sure that this will prove to Sarath."
Sarath, Chair of Victory CC, added:
"On behalf of the Victory Cricket Club Members & its Executive Team, we would like to express out deepest gratitude for your unwavering support in providing the Rolls Royce/DLEV Oval Ground Facility. This is a truly historic and emotional moment for our clubs, as this ground holds a special place in our history - it was where VCC was first established and where we played in our early years.
To see the ground restored to such a great standard is a testament to your commitment to community cricket. We are especially grateful to DLEV for allowing us the use of the facility and to the DCF & ECB for the crucial funding that made the restoration possible. It will serve as a wonderful facility for our members and future generations, and we are confident it will help us further develop the sport in our community.
We owe a special thank you to Charlie from DCF & Chris Mellard from DLEV. Your tireless work with VCC over many months has made this dream a reality.
Words cannot fully express our appreciation for your dedication and efforts. Thank you again for this incredible opportunity. We look forward to complete the project to the highest standards and sustain it for many years to come!"
The establishment of Victory CC's new home at Derby Leisure and Events not only provides a base for the club but also strengthens cricket provision in Derby, offering more opportunities for people of all ages to play and enjoy the game.
We know that ground capacity and having enough high quality facilities across Derbyshire is a growing challenge. Especially when we're seeing huge growth in junior formats as well as the Women and Girls game. The quality and quantity of our cricket facilities need to keep up and this is another step along that road.
DCF are looking forward to seeing how much cricket we can bring back tot he DLEV sight whilst working alongside Victory CC to make it possible.
Chris Mellard of Derby Leisure and Events added:
"At Derby Leisure & Events, we are committed to building a strong partnership with local clubs and governing bodies to ensure sport continues to thrive on our grounds. The return of cricket is a fantastic achievement, and we look forward to working with Victory CC and the ECB to make this new ground a long-term success and a true home for cricket in Derby"