Cladding consultancy SFI (Specialist Façade Inspections) has teamed up with Crumlin Cricket Club in a corporate partnership which sees the external cladding system specialists become headline sponsors of the historic club.

Cladding consultancy SFI (Specialist Façade Inspections) has teamed up with Crumlin Cricket Club in a corporate partnership which sees the external cladding system specialists become headline sponsors of the historic club.

The Newbridge-based family business provides full cladding fire testing and inspection services including external wall fire reviews to determine compliance with building safety regulations and has long-standing links with the club.

The grassroots club was established in 1949, were title holders of the Thomas Carroll League from 2012 to 2016 and have always been central to the local community, often garnering its support.

In 1966 a plot of land was purchased at Rhiw Farm, with locals buying totes in-between bingo, to raise the £100 purchase price. It remains the club’s home ground.

SFI has always honoured the local community, which has been crucial to the company’s success over the last nearly two years, since it was established.

SFI Director Josh Tedstone plays for the grassroots team and says: “We have built a reputation for giving back to our local community over the years. Our family has followed and supported the club’s progress, from the children’s team being founded in 1997 and going from not winning a game to winning the league just three years later.”

Many of that initial team’s star players are now adults with their own children now playing for the same club.

Sons of the club include national players Simon Veall, Ieuan Veall and Connor Hopkins, who all represented Wales at youth level.

The club currently plays at its highest ever level, with the hopes of further promotion and ambitions to hit the Premier League.

Josh continues: “I enjoy playing with the club and as a company we fully support its plans to introduce disability cricket into the area along with expanding the youth team, which was the catalyst to its current successes.

“Many previous and current players have used SFI’s services over the years and we have always been keen to offer something back and show our gratitude, particularly during this pandemic, which has presented funding challenges for so many charities and grassroots sports clubs. These same clubs are what bring on children’s development when we are not in lockdown, and the benefits of sport to youngsters and adults alike, really is invaluable.”

Club Captain, Ross Jolliffe, said: “We are delighted to have linked up with local business SFI and are very grateful for the sponsorship and the ongoing support we have received.

“The club could not run without bar revenue and sponsorship and especially with the current climate and Covid situation, this sponsorship will be a vital support.

We look forward to getting back out on the field where people can get away from their troubles for a few hours and enjoy the atmosphere in a great family orientated club.”