World Cup Heroes Cheer on Street Cricketers in National Finals

Three of England’s World Cup winners were present at Chance to Shine’s National Street Cricket Finals Day, supported by NatWest, in Nottingham on Wednesday 31 July. Liam Plunkett, Tom Curran and Alex Hartley cheered on as over two hundred boys and girls took part in a day of tough competition.

Teams from across the country were in attendance at the David Ross Sports Centre at Nottingham University to be named Chance to Shine National Street Champions. The titles were claimed by Blackburn boys (U15), Dewsbury boys (U12), Leicester girls (U16) and Blackburn girls (U12).

The England stars took part in a Q&A, speaking about their careers and what it felt like to win the World Cup! They then led a batting and bowling masterclass, giving the young cricketers some last-minute tips before they took part in the all-important final!

Speaking at the event, England World Cup winner Liam Plunkett, said, “It’s been a really great day and I’m delighted to be supporting the amazing kids who have been taking part in today’s tournament. Cricket is a game for everyone and having NatWest support that through their #NoBoundaries campaign is really important for the future of cricket.”

Hishaan, aged 12, from the Slough Smashers team, said: “I’ve enjoyed everything today, I really loved the England players coming and doing a Q&A, it was a very enjoyable day.”

After winning the U15 Boys final, Faiz from Blackburn said “It means a lot. Words can’t describe how it feels to win this trophy and to put a smile on all the coaches face.”

“I’m really proud of this team because everyone worked hard. We could have lost in the semi-final but we pushed and we got the victory, and in the final we won convincingly as well.”

Blackburn coach Farouk Hussein agreed, saying, “I’m immensely proud! The journey that these boys and girls have come on, from not having been cricketers until 12 to 18 months ago, to coming week in, week out to sessions – it shows their desire to succeed and their commitment, perseverance and determination.”

Chance to Shine is a national cricket charity that aims to give all children the opportunity to play and learn through cricket. Street Cricket is fast, fun and loud. Using a tape ball, a tennis ball wrapped in electrical tape, Street is designed to enable children and young people from disadvantaged areas to learn and develop through the sport in a fun and informal setting.

NatWest are the official charity partner of Chance to Shine and their support is helping the charity reach hundreds of thousands of children every year, giving them the opportunity to play, learn and develop through cricket.

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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.
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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.
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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.