The Play Their Way Engagement Day brought together Schools and Community Programme leads from across Chance to Shine’ s Delivery Partner network. The focus was clear: how to put children’ s voices, choices, and journeys at the heart of cricket coaching.
Across the day, coaches took part in practical demonstrations, reflective sessions and workshops led by subject experts from UNICEF UK and UK Coaching. The activities showed how cricket and child-first coaching can be adapted for every child— whether in schools, communities, or through Chance to Shine Street.
Why put children first?
For Ian Gregory, Schools Programme Manager at Chance to Shine, child-first coaching is fundamental to inspiring young people.
“ Over 50 coaches in the room shared ideas, expanded their knowledge and practically demonstrated how cricket can be a game for every child,” he explained.“ We were fortunate to be joined by subject experts from UNICEF and UK Coaching whose workshops challenged the room to be the best in class at what they do.”
Ian believes child-first coaching must go beyond developing skills. It means understanding individual backgrounds, recognising different motivations, and tailoring the game so every child feels included and excited to play.
“ Chance to Shine’ s mission is to inspire young people through cricket,” he said.“ In order to live this out, child-first coaching has to be at the centre of every experience – whether it be picking up a bat and ball for the first time in the playground or attending weekly community sessions.”
“ Child-first coaching has to be at the centre of every cricket experience.”
Cricket’ s unique mix of team roles and individual responsibilities makes it especially well-suited to a child-first ethos. As Gregory put it:“ Understanding what makes an individual tick, how they view the game and how they want their experience to go means that cricket coaches can support every child to have that unique and varied experience.”
Exploring playing their way 3