Nottinghamshire Recreational Cricket prides itself on striving to reach corners of all communities, offering cricketing opportunities to old hands and fresh faces alike.
It has, therefore, been fantastic to see another example of All Stars, in conjunction with Chance to Shine, going from strength to strength, this time in Manor Park Infant School, Calverton.
Tina Evans, Physical Education Co-ordinator for the school, welcomed Martyn Hill, Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club Chance to Shine Schools Officer, in January 2020, to deliver a six-week programme.
The children, many of whom were playing cricket for the first time, took to the sport with great enthusiasm and enjoyment and, following a relaxing of restrictions in November, Hill returned to deliver another six-week programme to three key stage one classes and a foundation stage two class, including 120 children.
'It's great to see the positive impact I've had at Manor Park through the NCCC Chance to Shine programme, not only on the children but the school as a whole.” Hill said.
“Working with Tina and the rest of the Manor Park staff has been a delight, she has been very enthusiastic and supportive of the work we do through Chance to Shine and I hope it continues for years to come".
With All Stars set to return this year, Mrs Evans has successfully signed up 11 children to an All Stars After School Club. The school now has three trained activators and has also been using the equipment to deliver cricket within the curriculum.
Seeking to harness interest in the sport, Mrs Evans also contacted Scott Andrews, Chairman at Calverton Cricket Club, to create a link between the school and their local club.
Last week, ten children from the school took part in a Friday night session at the Club, vindication of the great work being done by Chance to Shine and All Stars to engage youngsters in the sport.
“Knowing that I haven't just encouraged the children to take up cricket and join their local club at Calverton, but to also have inspired the teaching staff, Tina in particular, to incorporate cricket in to their curriculum and set up their own All Stars Afterschool Club, gives me a great sense of achievement.” Hill continued.
“I really feel like I am doing what it says on my work uniform: ‘spreading the power of cricket!’”