Sports Minister and England Cricket Star visit local primary school giving children their chance to shine

Today, the Sports Minister Stephanie Peacock and England cricketer Tammy Beaumont visited The Mill Academy primary school in Worsbrough, Barnsley to meet the next generation of budding players.

The free cricket session, delivered by the cricket charity Chance to Shine in partnership with the England and Wales Cricket Board and Yorkshire County Cricket Board, gives children the chance to experience cricket in their school with expert coaching.

The sessions focus on growing a love of cricket as well as improving the mental and social wellbeing of children, ensuring pupils develop core life skills as well as physical literacy.

England batting superstar, Tammy Beaumont, was on hand to help the children with their cricketing technique, having previously served as an Ambassador for Chance to Shine back in 2014, inspiring girls across the country to pick up a bat and ball.

Speaking at the visit, Sports Minister Stephanie Peacock said: “Getting more children and young people active is a key ambition for this government, and encouraging them to find the sport that they’re passionate about is a brilliant way to do that.

"Cricket has many excellent benefits, and it was great to see the work that Chance to Shine and the ECB are doing with The Mill Academy to showcase the sport."

Tammy Beaumont said: “It’s great to be here and support the work Chance to Shine do to enable more children in schools to find their love of cricket through their sessions. With the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, cricket’s inclusion in the 2028 LA Olympics, and the 2030 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup on home soil, we have a once in a generation opportunity to take cricket more girls and boys – giving them equal access to cricket in schools.”

Kate Stephens, CEO of Chance to Shine, said: “We were thrilled to welcome the Sports Minister and Tammy to witness the Chance to Shine magic in action. There is no better example of the power of cricket than seeing the pupils at Mill Hill inspired by the many benefits that it can bring, physically, mentally, and as part of a child’s wider development. As a charity, our goal is to reach 1 million children a year by 2028, with a focus on those who have traditionally lacked access to sport. Thank you to the ECB and everyone for joining us on that mission.”