From the age of 13, Llio Parry began playing cricket with her sister at her local club in North Wales. When she eventually got the opportunity to join Chance to Shine’s Youth Advisory Board, she sought to mirror the inspirational role models in her life and give back to the communities that help to nurture her love for the sport. She has since become the new Co-Chair and hopes to use her new position to share her passion for the sport and inspire young people to grow, both in their cricket skills and their confidence.
It’s a huge honour to be a part of the Youth Advisory Board (YAB) and I feel very fortunate to be working alongside so many amazing young people from all over the country. Being on the board, has allowed me to form a close connection with other cricket enthusiasts who, like me, value cricket as more than a sport, but as way for young people to develop.
I feel excited to be co-chair of such a great group alongside Ammar. The group brings so many valuable ideas and experiences to the meetings, which makes such a difference to the charity. As co-chair, I’m committed to attending as many events and meetings as possible so I can stay fully engaged in the role.
It’s important to me that every member feels confident sharing their thoughts—no matter how big or small—because Chance to Shine genuinely values our perspective and the insight we bring. I want to bring energy, encouragement, and positivity to the role, helping to ensure the board continues to be a space where everyone feels supported and empowered.
Llio alongside fellow Co-Chair, Ammar Din Begum, her YAB colleagues and Chance to Shine Operations Programme Officer Mina Zahoor.As a board we have representatives from all over the country and various backgrounds – some have been participants at school/street programmes, while some now coach on those same programmes. These experiences are what makes our feedback invaluable to Chance to Shine, as they use it to finesse their sessions and maximise the positive impact on young individuals. They genuinely listen to us and care about making cricket more accessible and enjoyable.
It’s not all about the cricket, it’s also about giving participants the opportunity to develop life skills and confidence. Young people are at the forefront of this charity and what better way to ensure that decisions are being made with them in mind than having a Youth Board that can effectively advocate for them.
I’m passionate about creating an environment where young people feel valued and confident to share their ideas, and this role will give me the platform to do that. I take a lot of pride in seeing other people grow, which stems from my time cricket coaching. Being able to be a small part of someone’s journey, from their first session to whatever their future aspirations are, is important to me!
Seeing the YAB’s members’ confidence, knowledge and skills develop is highly rewarding and I feel privileged to be there to support that journey. Hopefully by bringing out the best in each other, the board can continue to thrive and make a meaningful impact for the charity.
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Learn more about the Youth Advisory Board (scoll to bottom of linked page)
