Local cricket clubs are being urged to apply to the SWALEC Community Development Fund which offers £10,000 to put towards new equipment, kit or facilities for the 2013 season.

The fund was launched at a tournament and coaching session for junior players at the SWALEC Stadium last week.

The £10,000 SWALEC Community Development Fund, which was first introduced in 2011, provides matched funding for grassroots cricket clubs. In association with Cricket Wales and Glamorgan Cricket, it provides funds to support recreational cricket and help grow one of Wales' favourite national sports at a local level.

Since the initiative launched in 2011, SWALEC has helped 32 clubs invest in everything from waterhogs and cover sheets to sight screens and score boxes.

The fund is open to any Welsh cricket club that is affiliated to Cricket Wales and the ECB and can be used either to purchase equipment or materials that support the playing of cricket or which will help reduce their operating costs.

Jonny Petrie, head of sponsorship at SWALEC, said: "When we launched the Community Development Fund three years ago we made a long term commitment to support Welsh cricket at a grassroots level and encourage more people to get involved in this wonderful sport. We're delighted that the clubs have put their funds to such good use and hope to see many more benefiting from it this year."

Peter Hybart from Cricket Wales said: "Grassroots cricket is at the centre of many communities in Wales and many people get a great deal of pleasure from both playing and watching it. This funding from SWALEC shows dedication to the sport at a local level and will hopefully help to keep it growing and attracting new players and followers."

All cricket clubs in Wales can apply for the fund by downloading an entry form at http://www.glamorgancricket.com/swalecfund">www.glamorgancricket.com/swalecfund. Completed forms should be submitted to [email protected]">[email protected] or Peter Hybart, Cricket Wales, C/O Glamorgan Cricket Club, SWALEC Stadium, Cardiff, CF11 9XR.

The deadline for applications is May 17. All applications will be assessed by a judging panel who will then notify the club if successful.