Youth voice a new avenue for cricket's prosperity

The story of how young people are helping to shape cricket's future

CHARITY FEATURE

The survival of cricket is a concern steeped throughout the game's long, prestigious history. It's something that has occupied the cricket community for centuries. The scramble to innovate is constant, as the game rarely feels totally stable.

As it will be International Youth Day on August 12, it seems appropriate to highlight the need to consider young people’s voices, so we can work towards a better future. By understanding how the next generation views cricket, our community can adapt to improve accessibility or better engage the youth.

This is the approach taken by the children's cricket charity, Chance to Shine. Their Youth Advisory Board is a group of 16 to 24-year-olds – many of whom have taken part in Chance to Shine programmes – who provide a fresh voice to ensure the charity learns from young people.

"It's a crucial part of how Chance to Shine works. The feedback that we give in our monthly meetings and in-person workshops is really valued," said Momina, a YAB member.

"We discuss what can be done so that Chance to Shine has a bigger and better impact than before."

And Isobel, a fellow YAB member, said: "We can advocate for causes we're passionate about – from achieving gender parity and increasing racial diversity, to removing barriers that prevent people from accessing the game."

If we want cricket to thrive, we need to build it together, with young people, not just for young people.

Click here to find out more about Chance to Shine.