Chance to Shine have today announced their intention to create 100 additional Street cricket projects across the UK, giving thousands of young people the opportunity to access the sport for the first time.

The children’s charity will be placing the clubs, which run all year round, in the most deprived areas of the country according to government data, targeting locations that are known to lack local cricket opportunities - where high proportions of young people are inactive.

Street cricket is a fast, fun and frantic form of the game played in enclosed spaces, with a tape ball wrapped in electrical tape. Matches last just 20 balls per innings, with six players on each team. Projects are placed in suitable locations that can be accessed easily and safely, often within walking distance for participants.

Chance to Shine aim to raise a total of £350,000 to fund the clubs, which will bring the total number of projects set up across the UK to 300. They’re being backed by England and Wales Cricket Board, who are matching donations pound for pound.

Chief Executive Laura Cordingley said: “Cricket can have such a profound effect on young people, but to reap the benefits they first need the opportunity to pick up a bat and ball. We know that Street cricket can break down the barriers that prevent so many children from accessing the sport each year, but as it stands thousands simply don’t have a project on their doorstep.

“A tremendous amount of work has gone into pinpointing the areas that need these clubs the most, and we're hopeful that with a little bit of help from our supporters and some tremendous backing from ECB – we can have an even greater impact across the UK."