Somerset fast bowler, Steve Kirby, delivered an MCC Spirit of Cricket assembly to over 300 pupils at Manor Court Primary School in Chard last week as part of the Chance to Shine programme.

The assembly was co-delivered by former England international, Caroline Foster who is the Somerset Women and Girls' Head Coach.

During the assembly, Steve spoke about the importance of playing hard but playing fair and the necessity of respecting umpires and the opposition so that everyone has an enjoyable experience of playing sport. He also encouraged the children to try as many activities as possible to try in order to try and find some that they loved. Once they had a love for something, Steve said they had every chance of excelling in that activity just as he has done in cricket.

The assembly was followed by a fun coaching session for over 30 pupils delivered by Steve and Caroline.

Speaking about his morning at Manor Court School, Steve said "I really enjoyed my morning with the school children and seeing how enthusiastic they were about everything, if we have inspired just one child to take up cricket then I will be over the moon."

This visit was part of a nationwide scheme delivered by MCC and Chance to Shine to encourage the importance of competition and fair play in schools. This summer, Chance to Shine coaches are delivering assemblies and lessons in playing sport in a competitive but sporting manner to 420,000 children in 5,500 state schools, as part of the MCC Spirit of Cricket initiative. 

Chard Cricket Club have built up strong links with several of their local schools having been involved with the Chance to Shine programme for eight years. Chard CC chairman and coach, Kevin Clancy has maintained relationships with their local schools and cricket continues to thrive in the community as a result.