Chance to Shine (C2S) began in 2005 it has had an enormous impact on girls’ cricket with over 150,000 girls playing the game across England and Wales.

Annually, Cornwall Cricket Board Ltd (CCB Ltd) delivers cricket to over 2000 girls, with a large number going on to participate in local club cricket.

Recently CCB Ltd were fortunate enough to have England Women’s cricketer Heather Knight visit five C2S affiliated schools:  Launceston, St Breock, St Just and Bosvigo primary schools and Camborne Science and International Academy. 

The Spirit of Cricket was the key message for the schools who received a 20 minute assembly. It involved watching an inspiring video of all the key people and moments in recent cricket history. 

This led into a coaching session comprising of fun warm-up activities, followed by engaging games of cricket. Students then had the opportunity to quiz the England player on a range of topics, with many interesting and original questions being asked.

As well as providing pupils with the opportunity to meet an international athlete, the main purpose of the visit was to help enthuse and encourage Primary and Secondary schools to embrace cricket and to enthuse pupils to start playing cricket in their local cricket clubs.

Cornwall currently has 13 clubs with a girls focus: Werrington, Menheniot Looe, St Austell, Wadebridge, Newquay, Grampound Road, Truro, Falmouth, Redruth, Camborne, Helston, Penzance and St Just.

Heather also delivered a session for the Cornwall U13 and U15 Girls county squads at the Cornwall Cricket Centre. Here they had a great opportunity to ask Heather questions about her journey from starting to play cricket with her father in Plymouth, to where she is now, on the international stage.

Following a practical session with both age groups, incorporating a variety of fielding and fitness skills, she proceeded to deliver a master class on playing spin bowling to the U15s, before returning to her preparations for the defence of the Ashes Down Under in January.  

CCB Ltd would like to wish Heather and all the England Ladies every success in their forthcoming matches with Australia. Also to all of the schools who took part and made Heather’s visit enjoyable.

For further information on opportunities for Women’s and Girls’ cricket in your area please contact CCB Ltd CDO Matt Rowe on 07753 115356 or alternatively email mrowe@cornwallcricket.co.uk