August 2009
Giving young people a chance to shine
Pupils from
eight different schools across London were battling to win The
Prince's Trust’s first cricket festival. Colbayn's High School, Essex, were the winners hitting
a six off the last ball against Rookes Heath School,
London.
Prizes including a fair play award were also
handed out.
Current and ex-cricketers Paul Smith, Michael
Brown, Kath Koschel, Abhisek Jhunjhunwalla and Steve Elworthy were
all on hand to take part in a Q and A session as well as umpiring
and coaching in all the games.
The event is part of The Prince's Trust Chance to
shine xl programme, offering pupils who are at risk of truanting or
under-achievement an introduction to the game of cricket through
multiple coaching sessions, access to players and educational
materials.
The course aims is
to improve the attendance, self-esteem, motivation and social
skills of the pupils in their last two years of compulsory
education.
The initiative also provides advice on associated future careers
to the game, behind-the-scenes ground tours and on-the-pitch
involvement on match days.