Sussex Cricket Foundation pay visit to Sussex school with Cricket World Cup and Sam Billings

England cricketer, Sam Billings was part of a Sussex Cricket Foundation visit to Harlands Primary School in Haywards Heath on Thursday 5th July, to launch the ICC Schools’ World Cup.

The lucky pupils in Haywards Heath received a special MCC Spirit of Cricket assembly delivered by the Sussex Cricket Foundation in the presence of the trophy for next summer’s ICC Cricket World Cup. Harlands Primary was the first school in the country to receive a visit from the new trophy.

During the afternoon Sam Billings joined a maths class integrating cricket with numeracy skills – an example of the kind of resources that are available for schools via the Chance to Shine Schools’ Portal.

This was then followed by a coaching session from Sussex Cricket Foundation Youth Participation Manager, Gary Wallis-Tayler and Youth Participation Officer, Matt Parsons.

As part of the build-up to the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup, Chance to Shine, ICC and ECB are working together to deliver a new set of digital resources for schools to use to enthuse their pupils about the tournament.

The Schools’ World Cup programme will provide a new set of digital resources for teachers each half-term via the Chance to Shine Schools’ Portal. Schools who sign up to the portal will also be eligible for World Cup match tickets, the trophy tour, mascot opportunities as well as other exciting rewards.

Dave Simmonds, KS2 Leader at Harlands Primary said: “The Chance to Shine visit helped children from across our school learn just what a positive effect cricket can have on their lives.

“It was amazing to have the Chance to Shine team, Sam Billings, the Sussex Cricket Foundation coaches and even the ICC World Cup in our school all on the same day!

“The day has inspired so many children to take part in cricket and has also allowed teachers from across the school to see how cricket has so many educational, emotional and social benefits.

“Cricket has always played a key role in the learning journey of many Harlands children over the years. However, our Chance to Shine visit was an extra-ordinary experience for everyone and created even more excitement and enthusiasm for cricket across the whole school community.

“There was a real buzz around the school on the day of the visit. The assembly, the classroom sessions and the outdoor activity sessions were all fantastic, with so many children having a memorable day, which will no doubt inspire them to aspire to do their best in so many different areas in the future.”

Matt Parsons, Sussex Cricket Foundation Youth Participation Officer added: "It was excellent to both recognise and support the exceptional work and growth of the game Harlands school continue to show, with such a wonderful experience.

“Cricket is embedded in the schools make up for both boys and girls. Harlands has raised the bar for school cricket across Mid Sussex.

“Having the opportunity to welcome both the World Cup and a high-profile name such as Sam Billings to the school, was testament to the passion and drive the school and all its staff have for growing the game, both within the school network within the area, but also the wider community and club network outside of the school"

All schools who sign up to the Chance to Shine Schools’ Portal will be eligible to apply for tickets to the World Cup from October – this is the only way that schools will be able to access tickets. Schools who sign up before 14th  September 2018 will also be in with a chance to win a visit from Chance to Shine ambassador James Taylor and the World Cup trophy. Click here to sign up for FREE today.

Primary Schools in Sussex can now register their interest in receiving Chance to Shine coaching from the Sussex Cricket Foundation during 2018/19 by completing this online form.