Chance to Shine does not set out to find future cricket stars, but by reaching such a large number of children they often unearth some hidden gems. Chance to Shine started working at Chinley Primary School in Derbyshire in 2015, and the Headteacher Mr Lambert is delighted with the results: “The Chance to Shine programme has been great at
getting children all the way through involved with cricket. It’s also helped to identify one or two real stars, Caleb being one of them.” 

Caleb Winfield is a natural cricketer who took to the game instantly. “I knew it was going to be my sport as soon as I started playing it. If you don’t have a good day batting, then you can always bowl and field!” After showing promise at the school sessions, he attended trials at Derbyshire, and was selected for their Under 11 side, and has excelled from there, with best county bowling figures of 5-6.

Caleb has already identified the right spirit in which to play the game. “You sometimes win, you sometimes lose, and you win as a team.” This attitude has been met with an approving eye by the coaches, and he was made captain of Derbyshire Under 11s. As coach Tom Coxhead, who originally spotted Caleb’s talent, puts it: “He’s someone the kids can look up to. He’s someone who contributes to every game. He’s a role model for the other children, both with his attitude and his abilities.”

Watch Caleb's story here:

A born leader, Caleb’s cricket has helped him develop this further. Headteacher Lambert adds: “We’re very proud of what he’s achieved. Caleb’s always had some leadership qualities, and him being captain at Derbyshire has brought those out a little bit more.” 

And although Caleb loves captaining his team, he has even loftier ambitions: “It’s a good feeling, wearing the badge, playing for them. I want to play for Derbyshire when I’m older and maybe play for England!” Chance to Shine has helped Caleb follow his dream, and who would bet against him going all the way.