Chance to Shine Launch New Youth Social Action Programmes

May 21, 2021 

UK children’s charity Chance to Shine aims to give children and young people in state schools and disadvantaged communities the opportunity to play cricket. A key part of the charity’s work is to support children to learn key life skills and develop their physical, mental and social wellbeing. Since launching in 2005, over five million children in England and Wales have had the opportunity to play, learn and develop through cricket. Chance to Shine Street gives young people in urban areas, where there is a lack of access to traditional cricket clubs, an opportunity to play a fast and fun version of the game.

Now, the organisation is piloting a new Youth Social Action Programme developed in partnership with our sister company, thinkBeyond. The programmes will give young people aged 13 to 24 the opportunity to develop new skills and knowledge on topics that are important to them or that they would like to know more about, such as social impact, leadership, mental health and coaching fundamentals.

Currently, Chance to Shine are accepting applications for the three new initiatives with submissions due by 14 June 2021 (note that NextGen and Community Voices are only open to Chance to Shine participants. If you would like more information on the Street cricket sessions, visit chance2shine.org/street):  

• NextGen – a programme to develop future leaders and coaches. Participants will learn about sport for social change, leadership and community sport. 
• Community Voices – a programme to support the growth of young people’s voices and their confidence to engage on important social issues.
• Youth Advisory Board – giving young people the opportunity to be a part of the first ever Chance to Shine youth board which will help guide the future of the charity’s work. Open to all UK Youth (aged 15 – 24), members will shape the way the organisation supports young people to play, learn and develop through cricket.

Chance to Shine hopes these new programmes will allow young people to develop in their own way and at their own pace on the path to successful futures.

Emma Palmer, Inclusion and Diversity Manager at Chance to Shine said: “The past 12 months have been incredibly tough for young people in particular. Through our work we have seen first-hand how much of a positive impact cricket can have on their lives.” 

“We are starting to see a real shift in how young people amplify their voices to re-imagine their future. Our aim is to support every young person we work with to realise their full potential and thrive. We want to empower them to see how great they are, do brilliant things for themselves and their communities and know they can achieve anything without limits.” 

Mieke Evans, Senior Account Manager at thinkBeyond said: “We’ve listened to young people and coaches, as well as taken learnings from youth leadership programmes worldwide, to shape these three programmes. Each one will bring out the very best in young people, develop their key skills and help support their futures. We’re really excited to welcome the first cohort of young people.” 

 More information on eligibility and how to apply can be found at www.chancetoshine.org/YSA.