Former England and Northamptonshire cricketer Graeme Swann went back to his old primary school, Abington Vale, in Northampton today (Thursday 27 June) to celebrate Yorkshire Tea National Cricket Week and inspire budding cricketers. 

The event was organised by national children’s charity Chance to Shine and over 1,500 state schools across England and Wales are taking part in cricket-themed activity throughout this week. 

The Strictly Come Dancing Star surprised pupils in their school assembly before he was surprised himself by some of his old teachers! Swann reminisced about PE lessons where he was the only child able to climb the gym ropes and answered questions about his cricket career.

After the assembly, Swann joined 40 students from Years 3 to 6 outside in the playing field to take part in cricket activity, where he gave the youngsters batting tips.

Speaking at the event, Swann said: “I’ve loved being back at my old school and meeting some of my former teachers was a highlight. Yorkshire Tea National Cricket Week is a brilliant initiative from Chance to Shine and a fantastic effort to get 1,500 schools playing cricket this week. It brought back a lot of good memories and I hope I can inspire some of these children to be England players of the future.” 

Abington Vale Primary School Headteacher Laura Cichuta said, “It’s been a wonderful day for the children who have been inspired by Graeme’s visit. They have spent time with someone who has achieved so much in his career and who like them went to Abington Vale. Sports like cricket play a major part at the school and teaches the children teamwork, leadership and social skills. We’re very grateful to Graeme and Chance to Shine for coming today.”   

Seth, 10, was completely overwhelmed by the visit saying, “I’m so pleased that Graeme came to see us today. We’ve never had a celebrity visit and to have one that used to come to the school is really inspirational. I love cricket and to meet one of my heroes is a dream come true. Words cannot express how I feel.”

Chance to Shine is a national cricket charity that aims to give all children the opportunity to play and learn through cricket. They deliver coaching sessions to 500,000 young people a year, teaching children across the country life skills like teamwork, communication and leadership through the sport.

Into its sixth year, Yorkshire Tea National Cricket week is a celebration of cricket that sees around 1500 schools take part and this year runs from 24 – 28 June. Chance to Shine and Yorkshire Tea work together to inspire thousands of children across the country to take part in cricket-themed activities in the classroom, playground and community hubs across England and Wales.