GALA Cricket Club is fielding for fresh blood to get involved at Meigle Park.

Gala officials have already made some great strides which resulted in the club winning Ettrick & Lauderdale's Club of the Year Award earlier this month.

But to continue to move forward, the club now needs some local community entrepreneurs who are looking to make a difference and enjoy themselves at the same time.

Secretary Kenny Paterson explained: "We created our first five-year club strategy in 2016/17 - involving consultation with club members, CricketScotland and Sports Marketing Network who we work with as part of the Thriving Clubs Scheme.

"The strategy has three main aims - community engagement, performance and participation.

"Since it was launched earlier this year, we have created four working groups and while we have had teething problems as expected with these things we are moving in the right direction."

Based on the strategy, the club has carried out a series of events at the club in 2017 mainly through the community engagement group, raising the profile of the club, providing the facilities to the community and raising some much needed funds.

The activities included a reunion, quiz, two sold out Tea in Tent events, junior registration night, Rowan Boland Trust Tournament, hospitality days, family gala day, gin night, sponsors day, sixes tournament, and Ian Crooks Memorial Game to open the new artificial wicket, umpire/female changing room and sightscreens.

Gala last year hosted a Dog Walk with a local charity, have issued newsletters both online and in the local area and produce regular social media videos about the club, including a video to encourage people to get involved which has been viewed over 5,000 times.

Kenny added: "We have plans to develop the club and the facilities further as a hub for Galashiels and beyond.

"And as can be seen, we are trying to be more than just a cricket club. So, whether you have any knowledge of or experience with cricket, or have a bit of time, some contacts or an idea or two, we would like to hear from you.

"We will not ask you to sit in hour-long committee meetings - we are just a friendly bunch who want to make a positive difference."

If you want to learn more, contact Kenny Paterson on 07913767871, email kppaterson@yahoo.co.uk or galacricketclub@gmail.com or contact the club through its social media pages.