Cricket – providing smiles in school!

If you’re reading this as an activator, or a coach and you haven’t played Head, Shoulders, Knees and Cone – it’s time to give it a try. Because you might just end up with the children smiling like this…

Since heading back into schools at the start of September, we’ve largely been blessed with excellent weather and the ability to play cricket in the blazing sunshine. However, the odd downpour has forced our team of Community Coaches inside, where they are equally adept at giving children the opportunity to Play, Learn and Develop through Cricket. None more-so than Jamie Harris, who joined the team back in April…

We have been chatting to two schools that Jamie has worked with since he joined Kent Cricket, Bysing Wood Primary School in Faversham and Tunstall Primary School in Sittingbourne. Here’s what they had to say;

How have the children reacted to the Chance to Shine sessions?

“Children are pleased that they are making clear progress in their catching, fielding, bowling and batting. Some have enjoyed this so much that they now taking up opportunities to attend local club sessions in Rodmersham.”

What are the benefits of Chance to Shine for the teachers?

“Being a part of the programme has supported staff to teach cricket more effectively in the future. Jamie helped to simplify some of the technicalities of cricket, making it more accessible for teachers without a cricket background.”

How important is it for the children to have access to programmes like this?

 “Following the series of lockdowns it has been clear to staff that this has had real impact on the pupils. The opportunity to be active together, working together and encouraging one another in an outdoor environment is massively enjoyable and important for them and their development.”

If you would like to find out more about the Chance to Shine programme, then please email James Moss. You can also register to the Chance to Shine portal completely free of charge, which will give you access to all of the session plans (still free!) and accompanying videos that our coaches deliver in schools.