Information on Loughborough

Cricket Confidence

Posted on 23/11/07
P. Klein

Posted on 23rd November 2007

P. Klein

cricket ball

An independent study has confirmed the educational and social benefits of a charitys 50m campaign to regenerate competitive cricket in state schools.

The study by Ruth Jeanes who is a Research Associate at the Institute of Youth Sport and Tess Kay who is a Senior Research Fellow in the School of Sport and Exercise Sciences both at Loughborough Universitys Institute of Youth Sport (IYS) found that Chance to shine had brought widespread benefits on the playing field and in the classroom.

The Chance to Shine programmes aim is to regenerate competitive cricket in the state sector and introduce 2,000,000 children to the sport. It works through a network of England and Wales Cricket Boards Focus clubs. Each club coaches four primary and two secondary schools with each school receives 50 hours of coaching in the summer term.

Dr Jeanes, who led the IYS research team found that the Chance to shine program increased pupils confidence and their self esteem. It also effectively involved many pupils who were formerly disengaged from sport and PE and there has also been evidence that participation and taking part in cricket can be used successfully to promote positive behaviour from some more hard to reach pupils.

Dr Kay commented, The response we have seen to Chance to shine shows that many of the problems we face in engaging young people in sport and physical activity really can be overcome " but it takes quality provision to achieve that. The research findings are very encouraging for those who believe sport can be used to engage young people, help them be more physically active, and contribute to their broader social development.

Nick Gandon, Director of the Cricket Foundation, said: "Chance to shine is a ten-year campaign which we launched in 2005 when fewer than ten per cent of state schools played five or more cricket matches each year. It aims to reach one-third of all sate schools in England and Wales to give children the special benefits of playing competitive cricket and were delighted that the IYS report confirms our success in doing this.

Chance to shine is committed to raising 25m from the private sector, funds which the Government is committed to match, and to date has raised 12.5m.

Shine

END