600,000 Kids Inspired by Cricket as Chance to Shine Report Reveals Huge Impact
By Charities Correspondent
More than 600,000 young people across the UK took part in cricket programmes last year, according to the latest impact report from Chance to Shine.
The charity’s 2026 report shows the growing reach of the sport among young people, with girls making up 51% of participants — a milestone moment ahead of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup being held in England and Wales this summer.
Sessions were delivered in a quarter of all primary state schools across England and Wales, with teachers reporting clear benefits beyond the pitch.
According to the report, 94% saw increased interest in cricket outside school, while 80% plan to keep the sport in their curriculum. Improvements in teamwork, resilience and confidence were also widely noted.
The charity has continued to focus on communities most in need, running 302 Street Cricket clubs offering free weekly sessions.
Of those taking part, 71% were from minority ethnic backgrounds, while 94% said they had made new friends and connected with people from different communities.
Chance to Shine Chief Executive Kate Stephens said:
“We’re incredibly proud to have reached more than 600,000 young people across the UK this year. What we see time and time again is how cricket not only gets children physically active, but has the power to support their wider wellbeing and teach vital life skills. None of this would be possible without collaboration and we are deeply grateful to the recreational cricket boards, the ECB, Sport England and all our supporters for their commitment.”
One young player highlighting the charity’s impact is Arthur Morrison, who has autism and ADHD.
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Initially shy in social situations, his passion for cricket was sparked after meeting Eoin Morgan during a school visit.
After joining a local Street Cricket club, Arthur’s confidence quickly grew.
“Arthur wasn’t too sure of what was going on at first, he was quite in his shell,” said Josh Ashbey, Chance to Shine coach at the Surrey Cricket Foundation. “To see him now, confident and with others looking up to him, that’s already a great cricketing journey.”
Arthur now hopes to take his game further, with ambitions to join a club, progress through trials and one day represent Surrey — and even England.
