Regular readers of AOC will be aware of the good work that the Cricket Foundation and their Chance to Shine campaign do as part of their ambition to get more children playing cricket. Recently, we were invited along to the Workspace Urban20 cricket competition at Brixton Recreation Centre to watch the initiative in action, and we came away more impressed than ever with the steps being taken to make the game accessible to all and a viable tool for education.
Former England cricketer Alex Tudor and England women’s cricketer of the year Lydia Greenway were both on hand to offer advice to the competing sides, who were from various schools around London and took to the competition with considerable gusto.
“It’s a great campaign, the kids seem to love it,” said Tudor. “They’ve been really enthusiastic all day and there are some really good athletes among them. Hopefully they’ve all picked up a few tips, and who knows, maybe a few of them will go on to play professional cricket.”
The tournament, which was won by Stepney Green Secondary School, forms part of a community investment programme undertaken by Workspace – a specialised property-based business that provides accommodation for small businesses throughout London and the South East – which enables engagement between entrepreneurship, education and employment.
Wasim Khan, Chief Executive of the Cricket Foundation, said: “We believe at the Cricket Foundation that cricket can help teach youngsters many things about life. Working with Workspace Group PLC to provide London teenagers with vocational experience further demonstrates the educational benefits of Chance to Shine.”
For further information on the brilliant work Chance to Shine do, check out their website: www.chancetoshine.org
