A defining moment arrived for cricket in eastern Uganda as Soroti Cricket Academy (SCA) officially laid state-of-the-art batting nets, marking a major leap in infrastructure development and player growth.
This milestone follows the successful collection of three million shillings during the Soroti Cricket Academy Carnival 2025, a community-driven effort that turned vision into reality.
In a significant show of partnership, Cricket Uganda contributed astral turf materials, helping to lay a solid foundation for the nets and reinforcing its commitment to grassroots cricket development across the country.
For a long time, SCA’s progress was fuelled by resilience rather than resources. Promising young cricketers had to travel to Lugogo to access quality practice facilities, a journey that provided exposure but came at a high cost.
Transport expenses, limited training frequency, and dependence on external infrastructure slowed development and placed strain on both players and administrators.
Despite the challenges, the academy persisted, driven by belief in the region’s untapped talent.
The installation of batting nets in Soroti changes that story entirely.
Players can now train consistently and intensively at home, allowing skills in batting, bowling, and wicketkeeping to develop through regular, structured sessions.
With travel no longer a constant burden, resources can be redirected toward coaching, equipment, nutrition, competitions, and player welfare, making the academy more sustainable and professional in its approach.
The nets also open doors to greater inclusion.
More players especially girls, younger children, and vulnerable athletes can now access high-quality training without the barriers that once limited participation.
Cricket becomes more accessible, community-centered, and equitable, ensuring that talent is nurtured regardless of background.
Equally important is the impact on local talent retention. With improved facilities in Soroti, players no longer need to leave home early to chase development opportunities.
High-performance standards are now within reach, helping identify, nurture, and retain talent within the region while strengthening eastern Uganda’s contribution to national cricket.
Beyond their physical structure, the nets symbolize a shift in culture.
They represent a move from survival to excellence, from occasional exposure to daily discipline and ambition.
They also lay the groundwork for future growth, including coaching clinics, school programs, women’s cricket development, and advanced performance pathways.
Where Soroti Cricket Academy once chased facilities, it now hosts opportunity.
With community support and Cricket Uganda’s contribution of astral turfs, the foundation has been laid not just for nets, but for a stronger future of cricket in Soroti and beyond.