Cricket would still be unknown to some of the girls at The Wren, a state secondary school in Reading, if not for Michelle Jayarajah’s commitment to the joy it brings.
“I absolutely love it,” says Michelle, who has played the game since the age of 9, but only started delivering Chance to Shine coaching sessions about 18 months ago. Her coaching at the school began in March this year and has completely taken off.
“We’ve had such great engagement from all the girls, including from the Black community. A lot of the girls from that community had never played cricket before.”
It’s a troubling issue and one that is mirrored in the professional game, where people from the Black community are under-represented. This is especially the case in the women’s game where a recent study highlighted that in England and Wales just two of 150 female professional cricketers are Black.
For girls at The Wren, an introduction was vital to help buck this trend. Last academic year, 89% of participants at after-school cricket sessions were ethnically diverse, and a sample from one session at the school in October showed that of the 14 participants, 42% were from a Black ethnic background.
The programme offers Year 7 to 9 pupils at the school the opportunity to develop their core cricket and leadership skills, while forming strong friendships.
“They all want to have a go at being captain and leading the group. They come into their own and just seem to enjoy it so, so much,” says Michelle.
“I have one rule – they must ask the name of anyone they don’t know, so they get introduced more easily. It’s helped them form friendships outside the club.”
For one young cricketer, Richel, cricket has been a revelation. “I get to have fun with my peers, and I enjoy talking to my coach Michelle about literally everything!
“I started because the way it is played caught my eye, but I didn’t know how to play. I wanted to learn the basics and fell in love with it.”
This is echoed by Shanice, another participant: “Michelle explains the tasks well and is nice to everyone. It’s so fun, and I get to play with my friends.”
The school started offering girls’ cricket in March via a series of Chance to Shine after school sessions. Now, it hosts Reading Girls Street Club, which offers weekly session for anyone interested.
“The school are on the front foot when it comes to promoting cricket,” explains Michelle. “It’s really close to my heart, everyone I’ve met here has been key to encouraging girls to take part and promote the sport.”
Chris Morris, Assistant Director of Sport, Health and PE at The Wren, has been another driver of girls’ cricket. “It’s been wonderful to see the girls engaging so brilliantly, learning new skills, and most importantly, having a great time together,” says Chris.
“Michelle is a positive role model who has built strong, encouraging relationships with all the girls.”
It’s these relationships that help young people enjoy the sessions. Michelle’s Sri Lankan heritage, and her own experiences growing up, inspired her to become a coach.
“I’m doing what I love to do, and because of who I am as a person. When I was a kid, I didn’t have any coaches who looked like me, so I wanted to become a positive role model for them.
“I meet so many different girls and start that fire for cricket in them. I hope I’m encouraging them to follow their dreams, play more sport and stay active. Cricket is the best way to do that.”
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