A fortnight ago, Chance to Shine held their National Street Cricket Finals, welcoming over 54 teams from 25 regions of England and Wales to compete in some exciting competition.
During the three days, our Girls, Young Adult and Youth categories battled it out to become national champions at the University of Nottingham’s David Ross Sports Village, after earning their place through a series of regional rounds.
The Finals were the biggest yet, giving over 400 young people the opportunity to engage in friendly competition, while also learning key life skills, including teamwork, communication and resilience. All players were members of Chance to Shine Street clubs, which provide free, weekly cricket sessions in under-served communities.
The Street format – just 20 balls per innings and six players a side – is inspired by games played in streets and parks worldwide. It’s designed to be accessible, informal and exciting, breaking down barriers to the game.
It was a wonderful effort from all the Street cricketers involved, and a special congratulations goes to Leamington’s U13 and Blackburn’s U16 Girls, Slough U12’s and Bucks U16’s Youths, alongside the Young Adult winners, Berkshire.
“Last year we lost in the final, so to come back and win it feels amazing,” says Humza, who was part of Berkshire’s winning side. “Street cricket gets people doing positive things. It gives you an option to go out, play, enjoy yourself, and express yourself.”
This was a feeling echoed by Anvai, aged 13, who won U13 Girls player of the tournament with Leamington. “It feels amazing. It’s just really nice to win and feel like it’s a great team effort. We’ve given it everything and I think it’s paid off.”
The appearances of two international cricketers, Tara Norris and Shoaib Bashir, made the week that extra bit special.
Tara, a former Chance to Shine participant, plays internationally for the USA, and for the Delhi Capitals in the WPL. She was a wonderful inspiration for the girls, as she talked them through her rise to stardom during a Q&A session, before running a bowling masterclass for Derby Street Club.
“I think it’s really powerful,” says Tara. “As the game and the sport grow bigger, there’ll be so many more opportunities for girls and loads of role models coming through.”
“I was super quiet and scared to use my voice as a kid, but being around cricket helped me to flourish, and build my resilience. I loved being around my friends, community was a massive thing for me.”
Aisha, aged 15, was one of the girls clearly inspired by Tara. “It was really amazing. I would love if, like Tara Norris, I could in the future come to a Chance to Shine event and say I used to play with Chance to Shine, once upon a time.”
And Shoaib, who was there to see Slough, a team from his home county Berkshire, win via a dramatic super over, was fully behind the benefits of Street cricket.
“In the England dressing room, there’s a real family feel, like the teams here today,” explains Shoaib. “They get to play with their friends, build relationships with them, and you never know where they could get to.”
“I know what it means to these kids because I was one of them. This isn’t just cricket – it’s a community.”
