The Barmy Army is delighted to announce Chance to Shine as our official charity partner.
The collaboration will see two of cricket’s most iconic organisations join forces, raising funds to help inspire more young people to play, learn and develop through cricket.
The partnership also offers a unique platform to highlight the impact of Chance to Shine’s work, with the Barmy Army boasting nearly two million followers across all social media platforms, alongside our extensive membership base.
Chance to Shine Chief Executive Kate Stephens said: “We are really excited to embark on this partnership, particularly ahead of an Ashes tour in 2025. I have no doubt that the Barmy Army and England fans will give us the type of support that has made them famous across the globe, and we can join forces to bring the game of cricket to more children than ever before.”
Meanwhile, Barmy Army Managing Director Chris Millard said: “Our charity work is something that we are incredibly proud of, having raised over £500,000 for a wide range of charities over the past 25 years thanks to the incredible generosity of our members and followers.
“Much like Chance to Shine, we are committed to giving young people the opportunity to play, learn and develop through cricket. Everyone involved with the Barmy Army has a passion and love for cricket, and we want to help the next generation to develop their wider wellbeing and life skills to help fulfil their potential.
“We are confident that our members will be supportive of our latest charity initiative and look forward to raising funds for such a brilliant and worthwhile cause.”
For more information or for interview requests, please contact:
Ross Jeavons, Director of Communications & Digital, Chance to Shine
07990 681684 ross.jeavons@chancetoshine.org
Holly Jones, Communications & Digital Officer, Chance to Shine
07917 073 166 holly.jones@chancetoshine.org
About Chance to Shine
Chance to Shine is an independent children’s charity on a mission to inspire young people through cricket in schools and communities. The charity wants children to learn a love of the game and find a sense of belonging through the sport; developing their wider wellbeing and life skills to help fulfil their potential.
Since 2005, Chance to Shine has given over 7 million children (aged five – 24) the opportunity to play, learn and develop through cricket across England, Wales and Scotland. Many of those young people previously had fewer opportunities to play cricket and were therefore missing out on being able to reap the personal, physical, social and mental health benefits.
Every year, Chance to Shine visits over 4,000 state primary schools to deliver a half-term of cricket. Qualified coaches teach cricket, physical and life skills to pupils, who in many cases are being introduced
to the game for the first time. The charity also provides additional training and resources to support teachers to deliver cricket themselves.
In secondary schools, Chance to Shine delivers sessions focussed on developing leadership and cricket coaching skills. The charity also runs Chance to Compete, a national state secondary school competition.
Chance to Shine Street cricket clubs engage thousands of young people in underserved areas. Clubs typically run every week, all year-round combining cricket and life skills development with informal competition. The young cricketers put their skills to the test at the annual Regional and National Street finals where matches are played with a tape ball and last just 20 balls a side.
For more information go to www.chancetoshine.org.
About Barmy Army
Barmy Army is a world-famous supporters’ club that follows the England cricket team(s) around the world.
From organising official travel packages and major events throughout the year to producing high-quality merchandise and digital content, the Barmy Army aims to enhance fans’ enjoyment of supporting England and achieve the goal of making watching cricket more fun and popular.
Barmy Army members enjoy a truly unique community of like-minded, loyal, England cricket fans who collectively make memories all around the world.
