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  • The challenge

The challenge

Too many children and young people are physically inactive and drop out of sport as they get older. Engaging children early on is vital to building a sporting habit for life.


A person’s attitude towards sport is shaped by their experience as a child, and many people drop out of regular sport before they even reach the age of 14. School is key – a positive experience of sport at school can contribute to a lifetime of participation and a negative experience may narrow perceptions of sport and put someone off forever.

No single approach works for all children but having fun while building basic physical literacy and confidence in abilities are the cornerstones of keeping children in sport.

Cricket can help children build the skills and confidence needed for a healthy life, while developing personal and social wellbeing.

The challenge to get children active:

    Many young people are missing out on the benefits of being active and playing sport

    • Health

    Children who are physically active are less likely to be obese or develop long-term illness, such as diabetes, as adults. At a time when over a third of Year 6 children are obese or overweight, it is more important now than ever to engage children early.

    • Education

    Attending a sport club outside of school time is linked with higher academic and behavioural outcomes in primary school.

    • Self-Esteem

    There is strong evidence that playing sport is linked to higher self-esteem and confidence, through feeling pride in learning new skills and over-coming challenges.

    • Mental and Social Wellbeing

    People who play sport and are a member of a sport club are more likely to be happy with their lives. There is growing evidence that sport is associated with lowered risks of depression and greater life satisfaction. A major public health study found it can protect children who have had difficult childhoods from developing mental health problems later in life. In a time where children are spending an increasing amount of their free time online, sport provides an important alternative activity that can tackle feelings of isolation and build a sense of belonging.

    Published: 3rd May, 2018

    Updated: 25th September, 2018

    Author:

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      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.

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      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

      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.

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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 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

      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.

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    • Secondary schools

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      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.

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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.

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