Cricket in Finland has received a massive boost with the completion of its first-ever indoor training facility at the Eerikkilä Sport and Outdoor Resort.
The facility, which is also a national training centre for both football and floorball associations, is all set to open its doors for aspiring cricketers all across the country and complements the outdoor cricket field experience in Kerava and Vantaa. Apart from the men's international team, it will also be accessible to Finland's more than 30 cricket clubs.
"Cricket perfectly complements the variety of sports we already host, and it offers the opportunity for our guests to become familiar with this wonderful sport. We are proud to partner with Cricket Finland, said Petri Jakonen, the CEO of Eerikkilä.
Maija Scamans, Cricket Finland’s Operations Director, added that the new facility is a stepping stone to the training infrastructure calling it "an important addition".
"Opening the Kerava National Cricket Ground in 2014 represented a significant step in raising the level of Finnish cricket in general, both in terms of playing and hosting domestic and international matches. This new training facility at Eerikkilä is an important addition to the sport's training infrastructure.
"We initially went to check out the location and to present our visions of cooperation back in January 2019 – our ideas were aimed to further develop everything from low-threshold grassroots junior and women's cricket all the way up to elite-level national team training, Scamans continues. Now, 18 months later, this project connecting Eerikkilä with Cricket Finland, supported by the Ministry of Education and Culture has been completed."
Andrew Armitage, the chairman of Cricket Finland, recognises the importance of playing cricket at the top level, saying that the new facility will benefit both the national side and club cricketers.
"Playing cricket at the top level requires continuous, versatile cricket-specific training. Training opportunities outside of the summer season have been completely lacking. The great new training facility at Eerikkilä will have a huge impact and benefit to both national squad and club teams that use it."
John Stephenson
john@cricketinvestor.co.uk
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