Charlestown Junior Cricket Club is ready to challenge for more titles following the opening of new training facilities at Kahibah Oval.
The new $338,000 facilities include combined synthetic and turf cricket nets funded through the ICC T20 World Cup 2020 Cricket Legacy Fund, Australian Cricket Infrastructure Fund and the Community Sports Infrastructure Fund.
Federal Liberal Coalition Senator Hollie Hughes said she was delighted to officially open the newly upgraded facilities which will support the Hunter Region's up and coming cricket talent.
"It's not just about the future generations of talented players that will train here, it's about the participation of any young player that wants to enjoy the fabulous sport of cricket.
"And, I'm delighted that these new facilities will address the shortage of all-year-round nets in Charlestown, Newcastle and the greater Lake Macquarie area, Senator Hughes said,
The Federal Government contributed funds to the project via its $100 million national Community Sports Infrastructure Fund.
NSW Minister for Sport Geoff Lee said the project is a great example of how the NSW ICC T20 World Cup 2020 Cricket Legacy Fund is benefiting grassroots cricket across the State.
"We've provided $6 million to clubs and councils to support more than 200 projects across NSW and we're proud to see the positive impact on cricket," Mr Lee said.
"Earlier this year the Legacy Fund supported the construction of new facilities at Wallsend, Stockton and Salamander Bay and it's fantastic to see the Fund benefiting grassroots cricket across the Hunter.
"These projects will benefit all levels of cricket in the region, from girls and boys picking up a bat and ball for the first time, to the region's elite players."
Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Taylor Martin said these facilities would help ensure cricket in the Hunter remains strong.
"Newcastle has a strong local competition feeding young players into representative teams," Mr Martin said.
"These facilities will guarantee the region's legacy as a breeding ground for some of the State's best cricketers and allow local players to continue to dream of wearing the baggy green or baggy blue."
Cricket NSW Chief Executive Officer Lee Germon said this new facility will help to foster the love of cricket, increase participation, and support the player development pathway.
"This facility will not only provide an outstanding playing and training venue for Charlestown junior and senior teams but has the potential to be a year-round, regional high-performance venue in the Greater Hunter cricket area," Germon said.
"We are delighted to have partnered with the Federal Government, NSW Government via the ICC T20 World Cup 2020 Legacy Fund and Cricket Australia via the Australian Cricket Infrastructure Fund.
"I'd also like to acknowledge and thank the Charlestown senior and junior clubs for their contribution and efforts in creating a welcoming environment to unite and inspire the community to play and love our game."
ICC T20 World Cup Acting CEO Michelle Enright said the new facilities will have a lasting positive impact for cricket and the community.
"The Local Organising Committee is delighted to be working in partnership with the NSW Government and Cricket NSW," Ms Enright said.
"We are thrilled that the Legacy Fund has assisted with the construction of new facilities at Kahibah Oval which will benefit the community well in to the future as a direct legacy of hosting the T20 World Cup."
The NSW ICC T20 World Cup Legacy Fund is delivering up to $6 million to cricket clubs and councils to support the growth in cricket participation in NSW and ensure a lasting legacy from the Women's and Men's T20 World Cups.
