Participation numbers soar as Chance to Shine investment rises
This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement.
This news comes just as the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is doubling its investment in primary schools in a new deal with the Chance to Shine charity. From October 2017 at least £2.5m will be donated annually in an arrangement the charity describes as a "game changer".
Chance to Shine funding in Sussex focuses on delivering inclusive cricket opportunities to children of all abilities, ages, genders and ethnicities throughout the county. Whilst creating pathways to local cricket clubs, the funding is also used to deliver Street Cricket within communities where cricket isn’t as accessible for various reasons.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdSteve Feazey, Schools and Community Participation Manager, said: “We are delighted that we have been able to have such a huge influence on over 4,000 children and young people experiencing cricket during the 2015/2016 academic year. The investment from ECB will allow our school and community programmes to go from strength to strength, providing more opportunities to create a passion for cricket in the heart of every community throughout Sussex.”
This new investment granted by the ECB – combined with continued support from commercial sponsors, private individuals, charitable trusts and foundations – means Chance to Shine is aiming to expand its annual reach from approximately 300,000 primary school children to more than 500,000 nationally from the school year 2017/18.
Professional cricket coaches funded by the charity will introduce the game to some two million children directly over the next four years, with Chance to Shine reaching many more indirectly through a new package of support for school teachers.
Chief Executive of Sussex Cricket, Zac Toumazi, embraced the news from ECB by saying: "The ECB investment is most welcome. We believe that this will make a significant and positive difference to young people in Sussex. We look forward to working with Chance to Shine and the ECB on this exciting and welcome development.”
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdThe ECB believes that viewing habits are changing and they want to reflect the way young people engage with media. But investing money into participation is increasingly significant.
In addition to the increased funding, ECB will also provide the charity with opportunities to capitalise on international events, game day experiences, digital resources and player appearances including the ongoing partnership with the England Women’s cricket team.
Don't miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.
Here are four ways you can be sure you'll be amongst the first to know what's going on.
1 Make this website your homepage
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide Ad2 Like our Facebook page at facebook.com/pages/Sport-Sussex3 Follow us on Twitter @SportSussex
4 Register with us by clicking on 'sign in' (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.
And do share with your family and friends - so they don't miss out!