At Chance to Shine, we believe in cricket’s transformative power to inspire children and young people to develop not only their skills but also their love for movement and physical activity. A critical part of this journey has been our commitment to embedding the principles of physical literacy into everything we do. Physical literacy is not just a concept; it is the foundation for lifelong engagement in sport, physical activity, and movement, and it is at the heart of creating positive experiences for all.
What is Physical Literacy?
Physical literacy, as outlined in the Physical Literacy Consensus Statement for England, refers to our relationship with movement and physical activity throughout life. It is a dynamic and evolving journey shaped by our experiences, opportunities, and the world around us. Physical literacy is about much more than developing skills; it is about fostering confidence, motivation, and enjoyment in physical activity, making it a meaningful and valued part of life.
Why Does It Matter?
Research shows that children with higher levels of physical literacy are twice as likely to be active. Alarmingly, the Active Lives Children and Young People Survey 2023-24 highlights that 29.6% of children and young people (2.1 million) engage in less than 30 minutes of physical activity per day on average. This statistic highlights the critical need for action. Despite its proven importance, physical literacy is not as widely embraced as it should be, and significant inequalities in access to positive movement experiences persist as barriers to participation.
At Chance to Shine, we understand that providing children with opportunities to develop physical literacy can have a profound and lasting impact on their physical, social and mental well-being, resilience, and social connections.
Weaving Physical Literacy into Our Work
Physical literacy is a cornerstone of our programmes at Chance to Shine. Here’s how we integrate its principles:
- Positive Experiences: We ensure that our cricket sessions are fun, inclusive, and engaging for all participants. By creating environments where children feel safe and supported, we foster a lifelong love for movement.
- Holistic Development: Our programmes go beyond teaching cricket skills. We nurture mental, emotional, and social development, helping participants build resilience, confidence, and a sense of belonging.
- Tailored Approaches: Recognising that every child’s relationship with movement is unique, we adapt our activities to meet the individual needs and abilities of participants. This personalised approach strengthens their connection to physical activity.
- Workforce Training: We are committed to continually enhancing the skills and knowledge of our coaching workforce. By providing specialised training, we equip our coaches with the tools they need to embed physical literacy principles into their daily sessions.
- Breaking Barriers: We actively work to address inequalities by reaching children who face challenges in accessing sports and physical activities. Our place-based approach ensures that our investment reaches those who need it most and provide opportunities for all.
Building a Movement for Change
We are not alone in our mission. The Physical Literacy Consensus Statement emphasises the need for collective action across sectors. By collaborating with schools, community groups, and other organisations, Chance to Shine contributes to a broader movement that champions positive experiences and lifelong participation in sport and physical activity.
In partnership with Sport England, Chance to Shine is proud to be part of the Patchwork Programme. This initiative aims to deepen our commitment to Physical Literacy by integrating its principles more robustly into our activities and ensuring that children benefit from a well-rounded approach to movement and personal development.
The Impact
The adoption of physical literacy as a guiding principle has already yielded remarkable results. Children participating in our programmes report greater confidence, increased joy in movement, and a stronger sense of belonging. Teachers and coaches have observed notable improvements in teamwork, communication, and resilience among the participants.
Among our Street club participants, 92% reported improved communication skills, while 96% said they felt more confident. Similarly, in our school programmes, 98% of parents noted a positive impact on their children’s confidence, and 97% of teachers reported improvements in their students’ fundamental movement skills thanks to Chance to Shine’s work.
Looking Ahead
As we continue to embed physical literacy into our work, we are committed to reflecting on and evolving our practices. By prioritising positive experiences and fostering meaningful relationships with movement, we aim to empower children and young people to lead active, healthy, and fulfilling lives.
Together, we can build a future where every child has the opportunity to thrive through the power of movement and sport.
