Henry Crocombe and Archie Lenham visit Chance to Shine Christmas Festival

Sussex cricketers Henry Crocombe and Archie Lenham visited Hastings last week to drop in on a Chance to Shine Key Stage 1 Christmas Skills festival run by the Sussex Cricket Foundation. 

Both Henry and Archie grew up in East Sussex, Herstmonceux and Eastbourne respectively. They both began their cricketing careers in the local area and continue to play for Sussex Cricket League club Eastbourne CC when county commitments allow. 

The festival was delivered as part of the Foundation’s countywide Chance to Shine Primary School programme and linked to the national ECB All Stars Cricket Programme, which aims at getting more 5-8 years old involved in the sport in a fun, relaxed environment. 

Crocombe said; “Archie and I both grew up and played our junior cricket in the area. Our early Sussex pathway sessions took place here at Horntye Park, so it’s great to be able to come back and see kids enjoying cricket as much I did. I was really impressed to see how many of the basics the children have even at their age.” 

Many of the 158 Key Stage 1 children attending from Little Common, Robsack Wood, All Saints and St Paul’s Primary Schools were participating in cricket for the first time. Skill stations included batting, bowling and fielding activities – all with a Christmas theme and as an early Christmas present, the children received lots of cricket themed goodies to take away with them. 

As well as the Foundation being present, local All Stars Cricket Centres were promoted ahead of them re-starting in May 2023, and The 1st Central Roadshow was in attendance. 

Lenham said; “I think it’s brilliant what the Foundation are doing – it’s immensely important to have that time playing sport during primary school and what better opportunity is there than this. I had as much fun getting involved as the children did”. 

Vanessa Lawson, a teacher from St Paul’s CE Primary Academy said; “We’ve brought 60 children along today and what a fantastic opportunity this is to come along and have a go at cricket in such a fun way, they even got a gift each. For most of these children it’s their first experience of it so I hope they come away with really positive thoughts when they think of cricket.” 

Hamish Russell, East Area Territory Manager, added; “Due to the Covid-19 pandemic this was the first time in 3 years that we have been able to run the Christmas themed skills festival and it was fantastic to have it back! 

“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 Cricket Centre in 2023.”  

Supporting the event were 10 female Young Leaders from a local secondary school, Bexhill High Academy who the Foundation have been working in partnership with as part of their remit to grow the Women’s & Girls’ game in Sussex. They assisted with all of the skill stations and kept the children active throughout. The opportunity also proved a great chance for the students to further develop their leadership skills. 

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

Any schools interested in receiving coaching from the Foundation through the free Chance to Shine programme should visit: https://www.sussexcricket.co.uk/schools-cricket.