Allrounder status sets Flicx pitches apart

The 2G pitch provider believes it can play a major role in making cricket more accessible

If 'cricket for all' is the dream, as well it should be, Flicx pitches can play a key part.

State schools rarely have grass pitches, and clubs are reluctant to host them if it means putting extra strain on their weekend squares. Roll out a Flicx pitch on the outfield, however, and an instant, true surface comes to the rescue.

Kate Costin, marketing and general manager of the Brackley-based company, confirms this is their vision.

"We are on a mission to help cricket to grow globally by creating new or developing existing facilities with our unique, portable, roll-out wickets. What sets this pitch apart is its versatility – it can be used indoors or outdoors. For adult and junior cricket, hardball and softball on pretty much any surface. And it is portable meaning you can create good cricket pitches where you wouldn’t expect to find them, such as converted football and rugby pitches, hockey astroturf, car parks – the list is endless."

^{Flicx pitches offer access to cricket for more and more people}

"Flicx was created by Richard Beghin with the goal of creating a level playing field for sport in post-apartheid South Africa… now we have thousands of our pitches in all corners of the globe, from Australia to Iceland to Japan."

Handmade in the UK, the 2G Flicx pitches are also having a significant impact closer to home, adding extra capacity to local clubs and enabling them to host multiple junior games at the same time on outfields. More junior players on the ground means more parents watching, enabling clubs to play an even bigger role in the community and to generate revenue over the bar. 

Costin provided an update on Flicx design and branding options: "The graphics on the pitch are a valuable coaching aid too, providing a visual tool for the bowlers and assisting with decision making by batters on length and line. The logo branding we can add to the pitch, whether a school logo or sponsor, adds a different dynamic and can help generate sponsorship income."

As English cricket tries to reach out into previously untapped communities, Flicx can be the key to the door as it can be laid over any firm, flat surface. At The Cricketer's famous Club Cricket Guide testing day, when thousands of pounds worth of bats are put through their paces, it was laid on a gym floor at Emanuel School. 

Journalist Nick Friend was one of the lucky batters on the day and he had this to say about the Flicx pitch.

"Compared with the other surfaces we batted on, it provided a far more realistic experience ahead of an English summer. It wasn't as easy as simply throwing your hands at every ball – as was the case with the rubber sports-hall flooring. From a coaching perspective, the addition of stump-lines and line/length boxes are excellent aides for youngsters and I can see why they have proven so popular, given the ease of rolling them out in countries (and at facilities) where grass decks aren't so feasible."

^{The Flicx pitch was tested by The Cricketer at Emanuel School}

That realistic playing experience is key to Flicx's success as Costin revealed: "The true bounce makes it ideal for new and experienced players alike.  Top county sides are using our pitches for range hitting and many clubs are turning to Flicx batting ends to create extra portable net facilities as well as using the same pitch to upgrade their indoor nets– the players want a realistic surface but the groundsmen can't host them on the square all the time, so they will use a Flicx pitch."

Flicx pitches are also handy for extending the season either side when the weather makes pitch preparation unsuitable – in fact, if you are brave enough, it allows for winter play. Take Eastbourne Cricket Club for example, who have laid it over a hockey pitch, creating an opportunity to practice all year round. 

The final word belongs to Costin, who has overseen a remarkable expansion of use in Flicx pitches, particularly in the women's game.

"Last year was our biggest year at Flicx and girls cricket was a big driver of that. Girls are starting to play cricket often at a lower point of entry. Rolling this pitch out on a lacrosse or rounders pitch for example, enables them to get the game on, on a true surface."

Find out more and secure your Flicx pitch by visiting their website, calling 01295 81675 or emailing sales@flicx.com