KIDS, START BREWING UP YOUR STORIES

AS the ECB prepared to launch its All Stars Cricket programme, aimed at getting 50,000 5-8 year olds into the game this year, I was experiencing first hand the breadth of what cricket can teach youngsters.

The cricket charity Chance To Shine had asked former Sky Sports reporter Tim Abraham and me to share our tips on journalism with a group of schoolchildren, as part of the Yorkshire Tea National Cricket Week Junior Journalist competition (now open to entries). During the session, the children watched highlights of Eoin Morgan’s recent ODI century against the West Indies, including a mid-pitch hug with Moeen Ali upon reaching his ton.When the nine and ten year olds were asked to give their thoughts on what they’d seen, they were less interested in the quality of the cricket, instead demonstrating what they had picked up from their Chance To Shine cricket sessions at school; values of team spirit and fair play that would hold them in good stead for both sport and life:

“Teamwork – sharing it all with your friends,” they called out.

“Always treat the opposition how you would be treated yourself.”

“It’s not all about winning, but taking part and having fun.”

The last one was a noble sentiment indeed, although one that would perhaps be viewed differently by Eoin Morgan at international level!

Yorkshire Tea National Cricket Week is June 19-23. For more info on the Junior Journalist competition go to www.chancetoshine.org/juniorjourno