Chance to Shine

In the spring of 2006, Biddestone were invited to join a scheme that was described as follows:

"Chance To Shine will reinvigorate cricket in state schools across the country over the next 10 years. The program provides high quality coaching and opportunities for young people to take part in competitive cricket in school teams. It will also forge links between schools and good cricket clubs, encouraging talented and enthusiastic youngsters to stay involved in the game and reach their potential."

Joining the Chance To Shine scheme meant continuing our established links with Kington Langley, Kington St. Michael, Stanton St. Quinton and By Brook Valley schools, but additionally undertaking new links with two secondary schools; Hardenhuish and Corsham.

The scheme required us to increase the time that we already spent coaching cricket in schools through an increased number of planned sessions, and through involvement in school matches, tournaments and summer schools. We were expected to maintain a high level of administration and record keeping and in return received equipment and funding (particularly, in the latter case, for coaching).

A full report on the Chance to Shine programme and the lessons learned in 2006 is available on request.

Phil Boore - Schools Liaison Office and Chance To Shine Project Manager - August 2006

Chance to Shine

In the autumn of 2006, the club joined the ECB- sponsored Chance To Shine programme. This multi-million pound national initiative is designed to re-launch cricket within the state school sector. The ECB sought active support from ECB Focus Clubs. Biddestone Cricket Club was proud to be nominated and accepted as the first (and currently only) club in Wiltshire to be on the scheme in its first year.