By Natasha Martin
Around 100 girls from 11 state schools from Middlesex took part in a Chance to Compete cricket cup at Regents Park on Wednesday 1st May, with the support of Booz & Company. While the sun was blazing, girls in years 7 and 8 took to four of the seven pitches, known as 'The Hub', which for some was the first time playing outside on a cricket pitch. With each school getting a chance to play at least two games it allowed the girls to practice their newly learnt skills. Andrew Neo, head of PE at Park View School said, "It's very evident that the girls have not only enjoyed themselves but they've also thought on how to improve their game to take it further."

The eight over games were played with soft balls and everyone had a go at batting, bowling and fielding. Many of the girls were getting into the games by encouraging and supporting their team mates. When asked what the best part of the day was, 11 year old Asma said,"Playing with all my friends, making us all work together as a team to try and win against the other schools. For most of the girls they have been introduced to and taught cricket through schools and PE staff who've enrolled in the Chance to Shine campaign. The day was made even more memorable for the young girls with two England Women's cricketers, Beth Morgan and Susie Rowe, on hand throughout the day giving tips to the very keen girls. Andrew Neo also stated that "Festivals such as this, which promote cricket with the help of the England Ladies, are brilliant because it encourages and inspires the young girls to become involved in playing cricket. Schools that are involved with the Chance to Shine programme have been linked to local cricket clubs to encourage girls to join and attend. Some of the girls that were at the tournament had even been involved with the County programme! The festival was organized by Middlesex Cricket Board and delivered by Capital Kids;The whole tournament was funded by Booz & Co and Chance to Shine.

Booz& Co have been supporters of Chance to Shine for over five years and staff work closely with them to not only give as many children as possible access to the game of cricket but also to develop their skills in leadership, team building and strategy through participation in sport. 

"Chance to Shine is bringing together our diverse communities and helping young people develop skills and attitudes they never knew they had." said Lord Andrew Turnbull, Senior adviser to Booz & Company.

Out of the eleven schools, the four winners of the day have been put through to the Booz & Co Chance to Compete regional final that will be held on Wednesday 22nd May.