The iconic Kia Oval witnessed an unprecedented level of pitch access for community cricket initiatives throughout the 2024 season.
Over 1,600 individuals had the unique opportunity to train, play community or pan-disability cricket, or participate in sporting activities at one of the best and most historic cricket grounds in the world, showcasing the Club and Surrey Cricket Foundation’s commitment to fostering inclusivity and engaging with the communities they serve.
A wide range of events took place on the Kia Oval outfield, catering to diverse groups with a range of ages and abilities. Highlights included the Refugee Cricket Tournament, the Women’s Super Saturday event, the Surrey Slam Finals, Lambeth Bash, All Stars & Dynamos events, and the Pride of Lions Hallowed Turf training courses. Notably, Disability Day welcomed over 600 children from SEND schools, while the D40 Match showcased the talent of disability cricketers from Surrey and Sussex.
Chris Coleman, Director of Cricket Participation at the Surrey Cricket Foundation, praised this historic season of community access: “Providing such unprecedented access to the Kia Oval aligns perfectly with our strategic priority of being a good neighbour and bringing benefit to our communities.
“The opportunity to play or train on this iconic ground is a truly inspiring experience that can have a lasting impact on people’s lives.”
Steve Elworthy, CEO of Surrey County Cricket Club, echoed these sentiments: “We are committed to opening the Kia Oval to the community as much as possible.
“The incredible work of our grounds team has been instrumental in enabling such a high level of access throughout the season. This is a testament to our club’s dedication to making cricket a sport for everyone.”
Below is a snapshot of some of the activities that have taken place across the year:
