Mental wellbeing

How we support mental wellbeing

Coaches develop children’s confidence and self-esteem
Cricket is used to develop resilience
We get young people thinking about their mental wellbeing
We encourage young people to talk about their mental wellbeing by creating welcoming and safe spaces, with coaches who provide mentorship as well as cricket coaching

Playing our part

Children from less affluent families are four times as likely to have serious mental health difficulties by the age of 11, compared with those whose families face less economic challenges. Sport England Active Lives data has consistently shown that children who are active have higher levels of mental wellbeing.

Chance to Shine programmes aim to support young people to develop confidence, self-esteem and resilience.

95% of teachers agreed that taking part in Chance to Shine sessions supported their pupils’ mental wellbeing.

98% of parents agreed that playing cricket at Street had a positive affect on their child’s happiness.

Sources: London Centre for Mental Health (2015), Children of the new century: Mental health findings from the Millennium Cohort study. Survey of 656 teachers at the end of a Chance to Shine programme. Survey of 224 parents of Street participants

Case Study: Free to be me

Every Friday evening, young girls in Sunderland peer out their windows, awaiting the bus that will take them to Young Asian Voices (YAV). After a long week, coming together and playing cricket in a safe, community space is just the opportunity they need. A chance to run free.

Chance to Shine Awards 2023

Key members of the Chance to Shine network were celebrated for their commitment to inspiring young people through cricket during an emotional evening hosted by Elleanor Oldroyd at Lord’s in November.
Lizzy Heyman

Fundraising Assistant
Danny Maskell

Operations Manager - Midlands
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.

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.