An inner-city cricket initiative, which aims to break down barriers between young people from areas affected by anti-social behaviour and the wider community, has secured funding to allow it to run for a second year in Bristol.
Gloucestershire Cricket Board has secured funding to run the second phase of ‘StreetChance’ which is supported by Barclays Spaces for Sports, following its success in 2011.
StreetChance, a nationwide scheme launched by the English Cricket Board, enables youngsters from across Bristol to take part in inner-city ‘tapeball cricket’, a fast-paced form of cricket where a tennis ball is wrapped in electrical tape and each innings lasts for 20 balls and each game just 20 minutes.
This year will be the second of Gloucestershire Cricket Board’s three year plan for the scheme and will focus on two projects in the north and south of the city.
Steve Silk, Cricket Development Manager at Gloucestershire Cricket Board said: “We’re delighted to have secured funding to allow StreetChance to take place again in Bristol – it will help us to continue to provide local young people with a positive outlet for their energies and the chance to play a fast, fun version of cricket in a competitive environment.
“We’ve seen so many young people thrive through their involvement in StreetChance and I know many Bristol youngsters will do the same, whether it’s shining on the pitch or being a great role model off it.”
Bristol sessions will take place every school week at Action Indoor Sports, Whitchurch (Wednesday evenings 5-7pm for ages 8 to 14), Hengrove Leisure Centre (Friday evenings 5-7pm for ages 10 to 18) and Orchard Academy School, Horfield (Tuesdays 3.30-5.30pm for ages 10 to 18).
Future Community sessions are also planned to take place at Bristol Metropolitan Academy School, Fishponds (Wednesdays 6-8pm for ages 10 to 18) and Oasis Brightstowe Academy School, Shirehampton (Mondays 6-8pm for ages 10 to 18).
Anyone in the age bands are welcome to the sessions and for any additional information please contact Chris Munden on 07557 924941 or email chris.munden@glosccc.co.uk
