Harry Finch and Will Sheffield visit Chance to Shine Christmas festival

Sussex cricketers Harry Finch and Will Sheffield visited Hastings last week to drop in on a Chance to Shine KS1 Christmas Skills festival run by the Sussex Cricket Foundation.

Harry, who grew up in Hastings and began his cricketing career in the town, and Will, helped the foundation’s coaches deliver the session, which is one of many to have benefited from an unforgettable summer of cricket.

The festival was linked to the national ECB All Stars Programme, which aims at getting more 5-8 years old involved in the sport in a fun, relaxed environment.

Finch said: “I first got into cricket playing locally here in Hastings. I joined the colt system when I was about seven and went from there really.

“My advice to the children would be to keep enjoying it and having fun – that’s the main thing. Just enjoy it, have fun and see where it takes you.

“The kids all said they absolutely loved it, and they all looked like they were having a really great time. Will actually got a sticker from one of the kids for being very good at one of the drills! It’s great to see them all with a smile on their face and having some fun.

“I still play at Hastings, representing the east of the area is really good. If you can inspire kids to follow in your footsteps, that’s great. Hastings is where I’m from, and I feel it’s a massive part of the reason I got to where I am.”

Many of the children attending from Silverdale, Robsack Wood, Little Common Primary, Westfield, Sacred Heart and Christ Church were participating in cricket for the first time. Skill stations included batting, bowling and fielding activities – all with a Christmas theme.

As well as the Foundation and Chance to Shine being present, local All Star Centres were promoted ahead of them re-starting in May 2020, and The 1st Central Roadshow was in attendance.

Sheffield said: “It’s great that the children get exposure to cricket on days like these. Getting opportunities like this that I didn’t get when I was younger is brilliant.

“As Harry did as well, I came through a junior set-up and didn’t really have much cricket through my school years at secondary school.

“It was when I went to the Aldridge Cricket Academy that it really kicked off for me. It’s great that these kids are getting to start so much earlier.

“I think it’s brilliant what the foundation are doing – it’s immensely important to have that time playing the sport during primary school is great.”

Gary Wallis-Tayler, South Area Territory Manager/Chance to Shine Lead, added: “This was the very first time that we have ran a Christmas themed skills festival in Sussex!

“It was great to see so many boys and girls take part in cricket for the very first time and show a lot of enthusiasm to try new skills. The hope is that children from today’s festival will go on and sign up at their local All Stars Centre in 2020.”

To find out more about All Stars, and to sign up, visit: https://www.ecb.co.uk/play/all-stars