Children's charity holds largest cricket lesson with more than 900 taking part

For the past 20 years, the children's charity Chance to Shine (UK) has used cricket as a positive force for young people.

Through their free programmes, they provide an opportunity to play, learn, and develop through cricket.

Taking their mission to a record-breaking scale, the charity hosted the largest cricket lesson (single venue) with 943 people.

More than 900 children from 35 schools across the country took part in the event.

This beat the previous record held of 645 in 2022 by Ryan Thompson, Ben Pedley and Kings Rise Academy (all UK).

Schools across the UK took part, including those as far as Liverpool and Yorkshire.

Taking place on the famous Lord’s Cricket Ground in London, the charity first had to battle with the great British Summer.

Luckily for them, they were treated to warm sunshine!

The day started once everyone in attendance had settled on the ground, and were given a lively pep-talk by Chance to Shine CEO, Kate Stephens.

Along with words of encouragement from Official Adjudicator Glenn Pollard.

Next, the fun began! In the lesson titled ‘cool catchers’, participants were taught the important skill of throwing and catching a cricket ball.

The lesson was taught by Ian Gregory, Chance to Shine’s own Schools Programme Manager.

TV star Jodie Ounsely (better known as Gladiator’s Fury) also took part in the lesson, throwing and catching with Ian as part of his demonstration.

The participants practised in both individual and pairs to test their skills.

To be as inclusive as possible, the lesson was taught at a beginner level, meaning that participants of all abilities could get involved!

One of the challenges present was to keep the young participants engaged throughout the lesson, although there were some dropouts. It did not go above the 10% threshold, which meant the attempt was successful.

Chance to Shine hopes the children who took part will look back on the day with fondness for decades to come, and as an example of how the sport can create positive experiences for young people.