Chance to Shine and RBC Wealth Management (RBC WM) are proud to launch an exciting new Community Leadership partnership, designed to empower young people in communities across the UK with essential life skills through cricket. The partnership aligns with RBC’s purpose of helping clients thrive and communities prosper while supporting Chance to Shine’s ambition to reach one million children annually by 2028.
To launch the partnership volunteers from RBC WM were given a first-hand experience of leadership in action at Durham’s renowned cricket ground, The Seat Unique Riverside. Year 10 students from Durham Johnston Comprehensive School, who have taken part in the Chance to Shine girls’ leadership programme, took on the role of coaches and leaders, guiding the RBC team through a series of cricket activities.
In the morning session, the girls led warm ups and coached the RBC WM volunteers in batting, bowling, and fielding drills showcasing their leadership skills and confidence in the game. The afternoon session then shifted focus to a leadership development task, where the girls worked with RBC WM volunteers in a Dragon’s Den style activity, pitching their ideas to a panel of experts and putting their newly honed leadership skills into practice.
In the words of Florence a Year 10 pupil: “At first, I was a bit nervous because I was meeting people I’d never met before. My leadership skills have really improved – I was able to show people how to do things and demonstrate techniques, which was a first for me!”
The experience was equally impactful for the RBC WM volunteers. Niamh, an RBC WM volunteer, shared her thoughts: “The Year 10 girls took on a real leadership role during the activities. They were mature, confident, and really took charge. It was amazing to see how they grew in confidence throughout the day – from being a little reserved during introductions to leading us through the activities with real authority. It was a really fun, light-hearted day, and you could tell it was just as beneficial for the girls as it was for us.”
For RBC WM, this partnership goes beyond cricket – it’s about empowering young people to lead and inspiring RBC WM employees through meaningful volunteering opportunities. Robin Beer, CEO of RBC WM, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership: “We’re really proud to support Chance to Shine as their Community Leadership Partner. This partnership gives us the opportunity to engage with communities across the UK, aligning perfectly with our purpose of helping clients thrive and communities prosper. Leadership is not about seniority or experience – it’s a mindset. Through this partnership, we’re excited to help young people develop the skills they need to lead themselves, lead others, and ultimately, lead their communities.”
Robin highlighted the mutual benefits of volunteering for RBC WM employees: “When our employees volunteer with Chance to Shine, it’s a two-way street. Not only are they helping young people develop crucial life skills, but they’re also learning and growing themselves. This partnership is for everyone, not just cricket fans, and we’re excited to see the lasting impact it will have.”
Joe Root, England cricketer and RBC WM ambassador, also shared his thoughts on the power of sport to develop leadership: “Sport, especially cricket, teaches young people so much more than just the game itself. It teaches teamwork, resilience, and social awareness all of which are invaluable later in life. Leadership isn’t one size fits all; it’s about understanding your strengths and using them to bring out the best in those around you. I’m excited to see how this partnership will inspire young people to develop these skills and take them forward into their futures.”
Kate Stephens, CEO of Chance to Shine, echoed this sentiment and expressed her excitement about the partnership: “At Chance to Shine, we believe in the power of cricket to help young people fulfil their potential and connect with opportunities beyond their day to day lives. We’re thrilled to be partnering with RBC Wealth Management Europe as our first Community Leadership Partner. This collaboration will help us equip young people with the skills they need and we’re incredibly grateful to RBC WM for their support and look forward to making this a standout partnership for both organisations.”
With the backing of RBC WM, Chance to Shine is able to impact even more young lives through cricket, ensuring that children from under-served communities have the chance to develop leadership skills, build resilience, and cultivate a lifelong love for the game. As this partnership grows, it promises to make a lasting difference in communities across the UK.
