Papplewick & Linby CC see Air IT step up to the crease for 2020 Air IT steps up to the crease to support local Cricket Club for 2020

Added by Love Business East Midlands | 22 June 2020

Established in 1805, Papplewick and Linby Cricket Club (P&LCC) has been at the heart of the Nottinghamshire community for over two-hundred years. Like many amateur sports teams, this longstanding family club relies heavily upon the financial support of community volunteers, fans and sponsors, who allow the club to compete at various levels with their thriving junior, youth and five adult teams. For over two centuries the community has battled through many challenges including wars, famine, recessions, and pandemics of the twentieth century.

However, now in its 215th year the club faced an unprecedented challenge, when the COVID-19 pandemic called off play for the 2020 season, leaving P&LCC’s future in doubt. Caught out by their previous sponsor, who were sadly unable to continue their support, this left the club in a difficult position and without the backing of a ‘twelfth man’ for the 2020 season. Yet all was not lost. When the Midlands No.1 Managed Service Provider, Air IT learned of the misfortune that the club faced, the Nottingham founded IT and communications company was keen step up to the crease to offer its support.

Sponsorship Founded in 2005, Air IT has always prided itself on backing local community sport projects. From grass roots to professional sport, Air IT has been committed in helping local teams thrive both on, and off the field. As new sponsor of Papplewick & Linby CC, the Air IT logo will be proudly featured on the front of all team shirts, from Junior level through to the Adult teams.

Mike Blatherwick, Director of Cricket at Papplewick & Linby Cricket Club said,

“After a challenging time, it’s fantastic for the club to have secured the support of Air IT in what has been a very difficult time due to the pandemic. Their contribution will help us to survive and bounce back stronger, we will use their sponsorship to invest in our junior development and facilities.

“The new shirts look great with the Air IT logo and we hope to be wearing them soon as soon as cricket can officially re-start. The team at Air IT love their cricket and we hope to host a match at our beautiful ground, for their staff and customers later in the year, once we get back to normal.”

Vital support for the community Since the UK went into lockdown, recent months have seen an increased demand for the services of Air IT. They have provided vital support to their customers across the region, helping them to digitally transform their organisations into modern virtual workplaces. From assisting businesses in transferring operations onsite to online, Air IT have played an essential part in supporting businesses throughout the pandemic. As a sports enthusiast and a founding member of Air IT, Chief Operating Officer, James Healey understands the importance that sport plays in the community, as well as the integral role team sport delivers both professionally and socially.

“Our team is passionate about supporting organisations both professionally and socially, be it support for local sports projects, or delivering essential IT services to businesses” commented Healey. “We have been a long-time supporter of local sports clubs in the region, and for a number of years we have entered Papplewick & Linby’s annual 6-a-side corporate cricket tournament.

“The club relies on support from the community, and only survives with backing of sponsors and supporters. So when we heard the news about the club’s situation, we jumped at the chance to step up to the crease and become their new headline sponsor, and look forward to seeing them get back into full swing as soon as they possibly can.”

Papplewick & Linby CC compete in the Nottinghamshire Premier League which has been delayed since April. Play is currently set to resume in August, subject to the Government’s relaxation of lockdown guidelines and England Cricket Board’s approval.

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