The Sports Minister Steph Peacock and England Cricketing Legend Tammy Beaumont visited The Mill Primary School in Worsbrough, Barnsley last week to meet the next generation of budding cricketers.
The free cricket session, delivered by Chance to Shine in partnership with the England and Wales Cricket Board and Yorkshire County Cricket Board, gives children the chance to experience cricket in their school with expert coaching.
The sessions focus on growing a love of cricket as well as improving the mental and social wellbeing of children, ensuring pupils develop core life skills as well as physical literacy.
Speaking at the visit, the Sports Minister said:
“Getting more children and young people active is a key ambition for this government, and encouraging them to find the sport that they’re passionate about is a brilliant way to do that “Cricket has many excellent benefits, and it was great to see the work that Chance to Shine and the ECB are doing with The Mill Academy to showcase the sport.”
England batting superstar, Tammy Beaumont, was on hand to help the children with their cricketing technique, having previously served as an Ambassador for Chance to Shine back in 2014, inspiring girls across the country to pick up a bat and ball. Tammy said: “It’s great to be here and support the work Chance to Shine do to enable more children in schools to find their love of cricket through their sessions. With the Women’s Cricket World Cup in 2026, cricket’s inclusion in the 2028 LA Olympics, and the Men’s Cricket World Cup in 2030 on home soil, we have a once in a generation opportunity to take cricket more girls and boys – giving them equal access to cricket in schools.”
Speaking at the session Kate Stephens, CEO, said: “We were thrilled to welcome the Sports Minister and Tammy to witness the Chance to Shine magic in action. There is no better example of the power of cricket than seeing the pupils at The Mill Academy inspired by the many benefits that it can bring, physically, mentally, and as part of a child’s wider development. As a charity, our goal is to reach 1 million children a year by 2028, with a focus on those who have traditionally lacked access to sport. Thank you to the ECB and everyone for joining us on that mission.”
