"He wasn't interested in football": How a Cheshire boy found a love of sport through Chance to Shine

Free-to-access weekly sessions helping children across the country

When Jake, aged 11, first joined Street cricket in Ellesmere Port 18 months ago, his mum Debbie wasn't sure it would last.

"We tried football – he wasn’t interested," she explains. "Sport was never his thing, up until cricket."

The Chance to Shine Street club, which provides free-to-access weekly sessions, offered something different: a supportive space where he could grow. "He's really improved. Like his catching – he had butterfingers before," Debbie shares. "It's the only sport he’s taken to!"

More than a physical outlet, cricket has helped Jake emotionally. "Before, he'd have a meltdown when he got out. Now he’s dealing with it better." She explains her pleasant surprise the first time that Jake accepted being dismissed from the crease.

Coach Tom has also noticed the difference. "I've seen an incredible transformation," he says. "He's gone from tearing up and removing himself from activities, to giving 100 per cent and accepting if things don’t go his way."

Jake lights up when asked how cricket makes him feel: "Very happy!"

He enjoys batting "because it's fun," and describes Tom as "the best of the best!"

Now preparing for secondary school, his mum hopes he will continue with cricket and build on the resilience it has already given him. As he stands at the crease ready to bat, it's clear from Jake’s jubilant face that he’s found a sport for him.

Read more about Chance to Shine Street clubs here.