Chance to Shine achieved gender parity with its coaching sessions over the last 18 months.
The national cricket charity this week published its Impact Report for the period from September 2019 to March 2021 and revealed that, despite the Covid-19 pandemic, it delivered coaching sessions to 296,857 young people during the period.
For the first time, it gave as many girls as boys the opportunity to play cricket. The gender split of 50% is the first time that the charity has achieved parity, although the figure has been around 49% girls for several years.
The report also includes some inspiring stories of the impact that the charity’s work has had for young people.
A passionate cricketer, 18-year-old Faizah struggled with mental health issues throughout her teenage years, but credits the friendships and support network which she built at her local Chance to Shine 'Street Cricket' project in Birmingham. She is now supporting other girls who attend the project deal with their own personal or social difficulties.
Vanessa Greene, Head of Impact & Evaluation at Chance to Shine, said: “We’re incredibly proud of what we have managed to achieve over the last 18 months, despite the obvious challenges that have arisen. In particular, reaching as many girls as boys is something we’re absolutely thrilled to have managed and we hope that we can continue this in our future work.
“We are indebted to the coaches and delivery staff across the country who have had to adapt and get creative to keep bringing the power of cricket to young people. The Covid pandemic has shown just how important it is to be active, not just for our physical health but also our mental wellbeing as well.”
