Masterclasses Show Talent In Community Programmes
Fifty young people were the latest street cricketers to enjoy a masterclass at Emirates Old Trafford with Lancashire Cricket Foundation.
The events, supported by delivery partners Chance to Shine, offered the chance for participants of our Street cricket programme to work with coaches involved in the talent pathway and first-class cricketers. Last year Keaton Jennings faced some of the programmes brightest bowling talents in the nets as they took part in a bowling masterclass with Lancashire County Cricket Club coaches.
More recently Street Coach Mohammad Kashif and Community Cricket Coach Chirag Khurana led a series of batting masterclasses for people aged 12 – 21.
The events are now a key element to Lancashire Cricket Foundation’s 'Pathway for All', the masterclasses give coaches a chance to work closely with players who may be outside of the clubs and league’s environment. This has been best demonstrated by the referral of several street cricketers to Lancashire Cricket Foundation's Inter League squads.
Rohan Randhawa, Inclusive Programmes Manager, Chance to Shine said: “At Chance to Shine, we’re passionate about creating opportunities for our 9,000+ Street participants to showcase their talent and develop their skills under the guidance of professional coaches. Among this incredible group, we see so much raw ability on display at local Street clubs, but without the right support, this talent often goes unnoticed.”
“Lancashire Cricket has been an outstanding example of embracing our vision by hosting two exceptional talent masterclasses for batting and bowling. These sessions, held at the iconic Emirates Old Trafford, gave young Street participants the chance to train in a world-class environment, interact with professional players, and gain invaluable insights—truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
I’d like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Lancashire Cricket for their dedication and support of this initiative. Together, we’re ensuring that every young Street participant has the chance to shine, and I look forward to continuing this impactful partnership”.
Greg Pennington, Urban Community Programme Manager, said: "Firstly we are all really keen to ensure the players and coaches have a first-class experience at these Chance to Shine Street events at Emirates Old Trafford."
"In terms of identifying talent - the masterclasses are a great opportunity for Street cricketers to showcase their cricket in a new environment. The next step for many attendees is Urban Inter League programme - which will offer competitive hardball cricket fixtures against their peers. We have been able to make several referrals from the masterclasses to the Inter League programme."