Cricket club keeps the faith in drive for inclusivity

Derbyshire County Cricket Club has opened a new multi-faith room as part of a drive to make its Incora County Ground one of the most inclusive in the country.

Situated on the ground floor of the WDS Business and Media Centre, the room will be available to use on matchdays, as well as events and conferences.

It will be a space for people of all faiths to spend time in prayer or contemplation.

A new toilet block and family changing area have also been installed at the ground, meaning spectators based in the Showcase Cinema de-Lux Family Stand can now have easier access to family-friendly facilities.

This leads on from the addition of a new toilet block at the City End of the ground and accessible wheelchair viewing bays.

The multi-faith room was opened by representatives from Derby City Council, the England and Wales Cricket Board, Derbyshire County Cricket Club, Derbyshire Cricket Foundation and England’s Derbyshire-born batter, Bess Heath, ahead of England’s recent Vitality IT20 against Sri Lanka, which was played in front of a record crowd for a women’s international fixture at Derby.

Ryan Duckett, the cricket club’s chief executive, said: “We’re proud to open our new multi-faith room at The Incora County Ground and to be able to do it on a record-breaking night for women’s international cricket at Derby.

“This facility will allow us to open cricket up to a wider group of people and I would like to thank Derby City Council, the ECB, the Derbyshire Cricket Foundation and everyone whose hard work has made this a possibility, and well ahead of our original schedule.

“As a club, we are aiming to make The Incora County Ground one of the most inclusive venues in England.

“We have made great strides with our accessibility facilities and now having a place where people of all faiths can practice their beliefs is another big step in that journey.”

Kate Aldridge, interim EDI Director at the ECB, said: “It’s really exciting to have another multi-faith room opened at a first-class county. It’s a vital part of our strategy to make cricket the most inclusive sport in England and Wales.

“This is a really great asset for supporters and members of the local community to utilise when they visit The Incora County Ground and will help people from all backgrounds to enjoy our great sport.”