Joe goes back to his Roots

The new England Test Match captain Joe Root returned to his old school, Dore Primary near Sheffield on Tuesday 25th April. The surprise visit was to officially launch Yorkshire Tea National Cricket Week 2017 which takes place June 19 and 23 June with national cricket charity Chance to Shine.

Root, 27, surprised the current pupils at the cricket-mad school; first joining an MCC Spirit of Cricket assembly looking at the values and the integrity of the sport before talking the pupils through his own time at Dore Primary.

Four lucky students then got the chance to put their own questions to the new England skipper. Root, who still lives in the village of Dore, talked about how he got into the game as well discussing his hopes for a busy and exciting summer of cricket. Joe was also presented with the 'Most Inspirational Cricketer' award as voted for by Chance to Shine participants.

The Year 6 pupils then received a special coaching session led by Chance to Shine coaches Johnny Younis and Gareth Davis and got the chance to face Joe with bat and ball.

Yorkshire Tea National Cricket Week is a celebration of the sport and this year takes place from Monday 19 Friday 23 June. Over 1,600 schools take part every year and turn their timetable over to cricket.

Chance to Shine are encouraging schools to get into cricket both on the playing field and in the classroom. Schools can get involved in National Cricket Week by signing up to take part by going to

Speaking at the event, Joe said I've had an amazing day with Yorkshire Tea and Chance to Shine. Coming back to my old school has brought back so many memories of what a brilliant time I had here.

Cricket has played such an enormous part in my life and I'm so proud to be back here inspiring the next generation of cricketers.

The school's PE co-ordinator Richard France said: "It's been a brilliant experience for the children and for every kid to get to meet the England Captain is just fantastic. They found out what school life was like for Joe and hopefully can be inspired by him to achieve great things as well.

We've had the Chance to Shine link since 2008 and it does great work; it really is inspiring children to play cricket. A huge thanks to both Yorkshire Tea and Chance to Shine for organising an unforgettable day for our pupils.

This summer, donations are being matched £ for £ by Chance to Shine Patron Adrian Beecroft. Go to now to help spread the power of cricket.

Latest

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.

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.