James Taylor

After his promising England career was cut short by a serious heart illness in 2016, James has become an inspiring Chance to Shine ambassador. Every year since, James has visited schools and communities across the country on behalf of the charity, talking to the children and young people about his own experiences of the sport and how they helped him get through a remarkably difficult period of his life.

James credits cricket with giving him the resilience and mental strength to deal with the serious incident as well as helping him continue his life after cricket. Having worked in TV and radio since his diagnosis, James held roles as England selector and Head Scout until stepping down in June 2022.

Watch James' inspiring story:

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Donate

Every gift is important and every pound we receive helps to give more young people the opportunity to play, learn and develop through cricket.

Currently, every donation made to Chance to Shine is being matched pound for pound by the ECB. So any gift you make will go twice as far.

If you would prefer to send a cheque rather than donate online, please make it payable to Chance to Shine and send to Chance to Shine, Kia Oval, London SE11 5SW.
Trek the Alps for Chance to Shine

Are you looking for some adventure in 2024? Join Chance to Shine’s new overseas trek in September 2024 where you will spend three exclusive days hiking the beautiful mountains of the Alps with ‘Team Chance to Shine’ and a former England cricketer.
A joint statement on the findings of the ICEC Report

A joint statement from Chance to Shine, The ACE Programme and Lord's Taverners on the findings of the ICEC Report.
Tim Score to take up the role as Chair of Chance to Shine

Chance to Shine are pleased to announce that Tim Score will take up the role as Chair of the charity from 1st September 2023.

Mark Nicholas

Former cricketer, journalist and broadcaster, Mark Nicholas is also a Chance to Shine co-founder and Vice President.
Heather Knight OBE

England captain Heather Knight has been involved with the charity since she broke into the England team.
Lord King of Lothbury

Former Governor of the Bank of England, Lord King of Lothbury is the President of Chance to Shine.
Sir Mick Jagger

Rock and roll legend Sir Mick Jagger is a long-time supporter of the game and of Chance to Shine’s work.
Stephen Fry

Actor, writer and comedian Stephen Fry has supported Chance to Shine for many years.

Free school resources

Chance to Shine has built a powerful bank of free cricket teaching resources for primary schools so teachers can lead their own cricket sessions. The resources include lesson plans, instructional videos and top tips.
About us

Chance to Shine is a national cricket charity that works in state schools and communities to spread the power of cricket. We believe that all children should be given the opportunity to play and learn through cricket. We believe that cricket teaches children valuable skills like communication, teamwork and respect that will benefit them for the rest of their lives.
Street cricket

Chance to Shine Street cricket is fast, fun and free. It's played with a tapeball and requires no protective equipment. It's cricket's answer to five-a-side football.
Primary schools

Chance to Shine work in state primary schools across England and Wales supporting schools to deliver cricket coaching to their pupils. We teach cricket in primary schools and support teachers with free resources including lesson plans, videos and tips from the professionals.
The challenge

Chance to Shine believes in how the power of cricket can help children from state schools and deprived communities. We know that many children are missing out on the benefits of physical eduction particularly girls, those from a BAME background and from a lower socio-economic background.
Contact Us

Contact Chance to Shine, the national cricket charity, who spread the power of cricket in state schools and communities across the country.
Get cricket in your school

Here's how Chance to Shine can support your school in delivering cricket.
Secondary schools

We provide competition opportunities for children in state secondary schools. We have also developed a set of digital resources for teachers. Chance to Shine will also deliver a girls' cricket programme in secondary schools, training young leaders and developing life skills through playing the sport.
Work for us

Job opportunities at children's charity Chance to Shine. Come and help us spread the power of cricket.
Our story

Chance to Shine is an independent charity that works to spread the power of cricket in schools and communities across the country. Set up as the Cricket Foundation, the charity aims to provide opportunities in state schools and deprived communities.