The England and Wales Cricket Trust Grant Aid Programme donated £14,000 towards the £25,000 total cost of the new two-bay practice area after being identified by the Berkshire Cricket Board and the ECB as a club of strategic and developmental importance.
"The new facility is ideal for the development of young cricketers" said Falkland committee member Wilson Carlisle. "We have over 120 young players at the club and we have now been able to introduce a much more structured coaching programme through our ECB qualified coaches."
The club already has ECB Clubmark and Focus Club status, and is a 'Chance to Shine' rated club which provides coaching and playing opportunities in six local schools, giving the club eligbility to apply for the grant.
Charlotte Edwards was welcomed to the club by chairman Derek Bell, and others attending included the Mayor of Newbury Councillor Jeff Beck Falkland Councillor Howard Bairstow and James Theunissen of club sponsors Strutt and Parker.
The club look forward to many years of enjoyment and development out of their nets facility.