June 2009
Smith helps to inspire xl club members
Paul Smith, who played for Warwickshire,
visited Penryn college as part of a Prince's Trust and Chance to
Shine Initiative, which uses cricket to inspire achievement.
Chance to Shine
targets 14 - 16 year olds who are at risk of truanting or
under-achieving.
Xl Adviser Leah Ashton said: "It is a vehicle to help improve
leadership skills, teamwork and confidence. The children taking
part have outgrown a lot of traditional school learning styles and
need more hands on learning. This flexible learning option combines
with the core curriculum."
They get an introduction to cricket through multiple coaching
sessions, meeting players and educational materials.
Each school is linked with a local club, with Penryn getting
help from Adrian Noott, coach for Falmouth Cricket Club. He said:
"To have the resources to help the children develop ideas and help
their skills is great."
Paul Smith describing the intiaitve said: "We want to help young
people with their communication skills. It makes them more alert,
improves their maths and gives them a chance to think outside
themselves. It is more about awareness for me. You see kids that
have a good talent but it is not about finding the next Freddie
Flintoff, but about seeing them communicate better.
Mark Newby, of The Prince's Trust, said: "Having someone
inspirational like Paul come to talk to the students is brilliant.
He knows how cricket can help people to develop and can really
relate to young people."
Will Hellier, 15, said: "It is good fun and I look forward to
it. I am benefiting as I am learning about cricket and my
communication is better."
Ryan Caddy, 15, said: "I have never been a big fan of cricket,
but now I am playing I am really enjoying it. My confidence is
better and I am learning. I am looking forward to teaching the
primary children, it's exciting."