Altofts CC Website - http://www.altoftscc.co.uk/
The club was formed in the late 1890's. The pavilion was erected during 1922
by miners in the local area. Therefore the ground was owned by the local
colliery owners Pope and Pearson. When the new pavilion was built it was the
envy of many of the districts. The ground was maintained by the colliery
owners until 1947 when the coal mines were nationalized. C I S W 0 took
control of the ground and workers at the local colliery paid 5p into the
welfare scheme which helped with the running and maintenance costs.
The cricket club was playing in the Yorkshire league then transferred to the
Yorkshire council where the club was a member of the free lance section for
many seasons.
In 1965 the cricket section folded due to lack of finance and interest when
the local colliery closed. The ground was transferred to Normanton town
council for the sum of £2000.
The local council continued to cut the outfield but the cricket square's
condition declined. By 1968 Whitwood colliery was closed which meant Whitwood
C.C. was having financial problems.
The outcome was that Normanton Town Council was approached by Whitwood C.C.
asking for permission to play their games at Altofts. The 1969 season saw
Whitwood colliery C.C. playing at Altofts Lock Lane ground.
The Yorkshire Council Management Committee wanted Whitwood C.C. to change
their name to Altofts for the 1970 season. So therefore in the season of 1970
Altofts Cricket Club was reborn. The club was still a member of the Yorkshire
Council Pontefract section until 1976 when it was decided to enter the Central
Yorkshire Cricket League. Many successful seasons were had in the Pontefract
section winning the league several times.
For the first time the club set up a junior section in the early 70's
organizing under 13's, 15's and 17's sides respectively under the new head
coach Clive Jackson. Clive has been involved from the outset in an unpaid
capacity the junior section has thrived and has been successful at all age
groups. Games are played on Mondays, Wednesday and Fridays. Over the years it
is estimated over 2000 boys have benefited from the coaching. From 1998 the
club started under 9's and under 11's sides, playing in a competitive league.
The Local Authority has passed on some responsibility for ground maintenance
to the club. The cricket square is maintained by the club members on an
honorary basis.
As members of the central Yorkshire League it is compulsory to have junior
teams at all age groups. All our coaching staff, managers, ground person's
work for no pay contributing to the local young people's needs. The Protection
Act of the cricket club. Rule (1) is the promotion and playing of cricket
irrespective of gender, disability, sex, religion, ethic origin, colour,
social status or sexual orientations. Rule (2) the development of players, non
players and former players through coaching administration and umpiring.
Recently two more coaches qualified at level 2 status, our child protection
officer Clive Jackson attends child protection courses and first aid courses.
An award from AWARDS FOR ALL of £4970 has helped to purchase new bowling
machine, nets, and balls as well as providing money for training courses.