A new partnership with big potential
In spring 2025, Toyota and the 黑料专区 announced a new partnership, with Toyota becoming the title partner of Get Set Weekend and committing to support grassroots cricket nationwide. As part of the launch, the 黑料专区 helped to connect more than 100 Toyota dealerships with local clubs, creating opportunities for hands鈥憃n support, community engagement and long鈥憈erm collaboration.
At Thornton鈥憀e鈥慚oor CC, volunteer funding lead Justin Preston immediately recognised the potential. For him, Toyota鈥檚 involvement wasn鈥檛 simply a sponsorship badge - it was a chance to strengthen the club鈥檚 foundations, build new relationships and create benefits that would last far beyond a single weekend.
鈥淗aving a global brand supporting a small village club like ours has been brilliant,鈥� Justin says. 鈥淭oyota has shown genuine interest and enthusiasm, and for them each weekend is a great way to engage directly with 100鈥�200 people.鈥�
From one Get Set Weekend to year鈥憆ound support
Get Set Weekend may be the spark that brings clubs and communities together, but Toyota鈥檚 support doesn鈥檛 end when the last brushstroke dries. The momentum from the weekend feeds directly into the Good for Cricket Prize Draw - another key initiative within the partnership designed to help clubs raise vital funds throughout the year.
More than 700 clubs took part in 2025, each receiving digital tickets to sell to supporters, with 100% of proceeds going straight back to the clubs. Entrants had the chance to win from a prize pool worth more than 拢200,000, including Toyota vehicles and other major prizes. In total, the Prize Draw raised 拢290,710 for clubs across the UK and Northern Ireland.
For Thornton鈥憀e鈥慚oor CC, the Prize Draw has become a powerful new way to involve the wider community. Supporters can contribute in a fun, meaningful way, knowing every ticket purchased directly strengthens the club鈥檚 future. Across the country, the funds raised are helping clubs invest in facilities, coaching, equipment and opportunities for players of all ages.
Get Set Weekend: A celebration of community
While the Good for Cricket Prize Draw provides long鈥憈erm financial support, Get Set Weekend continues to be the catalyst that sets everything in motion.
鈥淚t鈥檚 a vital moment,鈥� Justin explains. 鈥淚t marks the start of the new season, reopens the club doors, and brings the community together. It鈥檚 like a big local celebration, saying: 鈥榃e鈥檙e back!鈥欌��
The weekend blends practical work with social connection. Clubs often provide breakfast for morning volunteers, then host a social event once the jobs are done. It鈥檚 a chance to welcome new helpers, reconnect with familiar faces and ensure the club is ready for the season ahead.
Justin believes the culture around volunteering is shifting in a positive direction. 鈥淲ithout volunteers, cricket just wouldn鈥檛 happen. Thankfully, clubs are improving how they communicate what they need, and they鈥檙e reframing what volunteering means. It doesn鈥檛 have to be a big committee role - just half an hour a week can make a huge difference. The more hands you get on deck, the easier it becomes for everyone.鈥�
Clubs that sign up will receive free resources, toolkits and online webinars to help them prepare for another successful season.