The next generation of cricketers under one ’Shield'

The game-changing solution which is revolutionising cricket, making weatherproof access to outdoor nets a reality for clubs and schools, continues to sweep the nation, thanks to total-play Ltd!

PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

At the end of 2025, the World’s second ‘Cricket Dome’ was unveiled at Blackburn’s Darwen Cricket Club - the first at a grassroots club site!

Developed in conjunction with the ECB, the Cricket Shield™ offers an innovative covered facility, at a fraction of the cost of a purpose built indoor school. Designed and built by total-play Ltd, working with trusted construction partners, the facility follows the hugely successful installation at Bradford Park Avenue, which is helping shape the future of the sport and drive community inclusion, as well as state school participation.

^{View from inside Bradford Park Avenue}

The facility at Darwen Cricket Club is a 3-lane solution, equipped with industry leading components. The free standing dome structure is complete with premium sports lighting, elite cricket surfaces and a retractable netting system, that accommodates both training and matchplay. It demonstrates that the solution is versatile and fits the need of each individual client.

Operations Manager at Darwen Cricket Club - Graham Ainslie - had this to say about the groundbreaking facility:

“Having quality facilities is the key for grassroots cricket. That together with creating inclusivity and a welcoming environment for all ages, abilities and backgrounds to ensure long term participation. Club cricket has always been the bedrock of how county/international cricketers start their journey and having that through the ECB National initiatives of All Stars and Dynamos. Cricket must be the winner and we also hope to attract more of these young participants to Darwen, to use the facility.

The facility which we stand in can only be described as state of the art and an asset to the cricket community."

^{The Cricket Shield™ at Darwen Cricket Club}

total-play Ltd are at the forefront of this new frontier, which will see cricket become a truly year-round sport, working closely with the ECB and local authorities on this and a number of Cricket Shield™ projects around the country - bringing vision to reality.

2026 will see more Cricket Shield™ venues open across the country, in addition to a busy year of class-leading practice facility and match pitch installations already in the pipeline. It’s clear to see why total-play Ltd remain a trusted partner for organisations at every level!

The Cricket Shield™, more than a dome.

For more details on the game-changing Cricket Shield™ facility, which is already transforming cricket into a truly accessible, year-round sport, visit total-play’s website or contact them via email.