Howzat! South Antrim MP Robin Swann champions local cricket at Westminster

SOUTH Antrim MP Robin Swann MP has championed the importance of grassroots cricket in Northern Ireland, using the example of two long-established clubs in South Antrim to call for better support, facilities and investment in a Westminster Hall debate.

Speaking during the debate on Government Support for Grassroots Cricket, Mr Swann emphasised that cricket has deep and enduring roots in villages and small towns across Northern Ireland and the wider island of Ireland.

“Cricket is sometimes described as ‘quintessentially English’, but that simply does not reflect the reality in Northern Ireland,” said the UUP man.

“Cricket has been embedded in our communities for generations. Many clubs were founded around old flax and spinning mills, and remarkably, a number of them are still thriving today.”

Mr Swann highlighted Muckamore Cricket and Lawn Tennis Club, founded in 1874 and celebrating its 150th anniversary last year.

“Muckamore is a fantastic example of a club that brings people together across generations.

“It fields teams across all ages, has its own grounds, and marked its 150th year by winning the Challenge Cup.

Its members are as active socially as they are physically, with older members even forming a walking group that keeps people connected and engaged.”

He also praised the club’s forward-looking approach, including a partnership to develop padel courts, building on its lawn tennis heritage and promoting year-round physical activity.

The second club Mr Swann highlighted was Templepatrick Cricket Club, which plays at the Cloughan in Ballyclare and was founded in 1969

“Templepatrick Cricket Club has one of the largest youth systems on the island of Ireland, was recently shortlisted for Cricket Ireland Club of the Year, and capped a hugely successful 2024 season by winning promotion to the topflight.”

Mr Swann used the debate to raise concerns shared by both clubs, including the lack of indoor nets and practice facilities at council leisure centres, the challenges created by restrictive match-funding grant systems and the need for improved changing facilities to encourage greater participation by women and girls.

Mr Swann also referenced his recent sports development survey he conducted earlier this year across the constituency, which informed a report aimed at improving provision, boosting investment and strengthening support for local clubs across all local sports.

Concluding his remarks, Mr Swann called for stronger cooperation between Westminster and devolved administrations.

“I want reassurance that the Government is working closely with devolved counterparts to ensure that the benefits of sport – and cricket in particular – are fully recognised.

“Grassroots cricket delivers enormous physical, mental health and community benefits, and it deserves support that reflects that value.”