Scheme to attract youngsters into the game sets a Shine-ing example

ALMOST 60,000 boys and girls played cricket for the first time across the country last summer thanks to Chance to Shine delivery in schools linked to the All Stars Cricket programmes.

1,029 children aged five to eight took part in year two of the programme in Northumberland.

With the expansion of the Chance to Shine programme, the Northumberland Cricket Board has been able to deliver almost 2,500 hours of schools activity to 145 primary and secondary schools including roadshows, play and learn sessions, teacher training and festivals.

In addition, the progress sessions have introduced teachers and parents to their local community club programmes.

From Tillside to Benwell, Tynemouth to Allendale, clubs across the county embraced the opportunity to provide weekly sessions with an emphasis on fun and being active.

Every child who registered received a backpack of goodies including a cricket bat, ball, activity book, personalised shirt and cap sent direct to their door.

With a focus on developing a child’s movement skills, the All Stars programme also encourages parents and guardians to take part something which the annual cricket OSCAs (Outstanding Service to Cricket Awards) winner Surj Singh excelled.

He led a programme at Blyth Cricket Club which engaged lots of parents in games and activities.

This year the NCB will be embarking on its biggest summer of cricket with the World Cup coming to the North East at Emirates Riverside.

Further details on All-Stars cricket can be found at www.ecb. co.uk/play/all-stars.