19th December 2019
Building self-confidence and improving wellbeing was the name of the game for four primary schools in Allerdale.
Cumbria Cricket delivered a full school cricket programme called ‘Chance to Shine’ to Derwent Vale in Great Clifton, Beckstone Primary in Harrington, Broughton Primary School near Cockermouth and St Patricks RC Primary School in Workington.
Cumbria Cricket received £2,565 from the Quarry Hill Fund and £855 from the Winscales Moor Community Benefit Fund, which enabled 733 children to experience the joy of cricket for free, allowing them to become more engaged in PE.
A fun, active and inclusive set of activities was offered to inspire the school children to play and learn through cricket. Not only did this build the youngsters confidence, it also improved their health and wellbeing encouraging them to become more active and helping them improve their discipline through fair play and teamwork.
Due to the success of the school programme, Cumbria Cricket went on to deliver five one-hour taster sessions at St Herbert’s School in Keswick, Westfield Primary School in Workington and Our Lady’s & St Patricks in Maryport.
Every pupil achieved their personal best and had the opportunity to take part in school competitions and given links to community cricket club activities, such as All Stars Cricket
Bob Simpson, Director of Development said: “Cricket can be a powerful and lasting component of a young person’s learning and development, in turn bringing wider educational and social benefits. The programmes supported the schools to be healthy and active and meet the Department of Health plan for schools to deliver 60 active minutes for every child each day.
“There was also the opportunity for parents and cricket club members to volunteer and receive All Stars Cricket Activator training to support the children’s transition to a community club. Teachers had teacher training, providing them with the skills and importantly the confidence to deliver a sport that it perceived as very technical. All the schools said they are happy to continue delivering cricket-based activity.”
Cumbria Cricket plan to continue the programme in 2019/2020 after positive feedback with one teacher commenting: “Many of our pupils who are reluctant to take part in PE sessions, were fully engaged and active. We feel that is because the lessons were delivered in a way which increased all pupil’s self-confidence, irrespective of their ability.”