Concerns surrounding the development of cricket at a grassroots level is not a new phenomenon. Within the cricketing community, new ways of innovating, improving access, and increasing participation among young people is vitally important.
At Chance to Shine, the consideration of young people’s voices is crucial to achieving this, so we can work towards a better future. By understanding how the next generation views cricket, our community can adapt, to improve accessibility and better engage younger audiences.
Through the Youth Advisory Board (YAB), a group of 16–24-year-olds, Chance to Shine considers fresh voices to help its development.
“It’s a crucial part of how Chance to Shine works. The feedback that we give in our monthly meetings and in person workshops is really valued,” says Momina, one of the YAB members.
“We discuss what can be done so that Chance to Shine has a bigger and better impact than before.”
This is echoed by Ammar, who featured in Freddie Flintoff’s Field of Dreams: “The great thing about the YAB is that everyone gets a chance to express themselves. We can help develop Chance to Shine for the better.”
The YAB is crucial because it ensures Chance to Shine receives ranging advice, for a variety of perspectives. Isobel explains: “We can advocate for causes we’re passionate about – from achieving gender parity and increasing racial diversity, to removing barriers that prevent people from accessing the game.”
Ensuring that whatever their background, a young person has access to cricket in a safe a friendly environment is the goal. It’s how Areesh began enjoying the game.
“I had previously tried cricket before but hadn’t found any other girls who wanted to play,” says Areesh. “I heard there was a girl only Chance to Shine Street Club and I really enjoyed it, and I’ve been going ever since.
“I’ve been playing with the same people for the past two years and I know them so well, I feel safe around them. We always make plans to see each other outside of sessions, we’re all close friends now.”
And for Areesh, joining the YAB was the perfect next step. “Street sessions have given me a lot as a person, so I wanted to give back, and help the charity to grow and stay sustainable.
“I really enjoy it because I’m able to highlight any improvements we may need in our Street club and talk to the right people to take these issues into consideration.”
Through regular meetings, the YAB have a chance to discuss their own roles, and feedback on how Chance to Shine could improve the delivery of its programmes. This even stretches to conversations around how the charity can better interact with key stakeholders within the game.
And during their most recent meeting at Edgbaston, they even had the pleasure of taking part in a session led by Take Her Lead, whose mission is to create a more inclusive culture for women and girls in cricket.
As a community, we all strive to improve cricket’s engagement and growth among young people. By listening to them, Chance to Shine hopes to ensure a prosperous future for the game we all treasure.
