Three new England Women coaching ambassadors will inspire girls all over the country to play cricket this summer, the Chance to Shine charity has announced.
England international stars Tammy Beaumont, Kate Cross and Lauren Winfield have joined the Chance to Shine team and will encourage thousands of girls to take up and enjoy the game.
The trio will join the five current ambassadors: England captain Charlotte Edwards, Lydia Greenway, Jenny Gunn, Danni Hazell and Heather Knight.
Thanks to the continuing partnership between the ECB and Chance to Shine charity, seven of the England cricketers will work two days per week as coaching ambassadors, while Knight will be in schools for one day a week.
Since 2005 over one million girls have enjoyed cricket through Chance to Shine and last year alone over 6,000 girls received coaching from the ambassadors. They support Chance to Shine through coaching, training teachers and delivering assemblies and will continue to play a major role in the development of girls’ cricket throughout the country.
Cross said: “I'm really looking forward to my role as a coaching ambassador. I have seen the progress that Chance to Shine has made in recent years and it's brilliant to see how many children are getting involved with cricket. I can't wait to be a part of this and to help inspire kids to play the game.”
Wasim Khan, chief executive of Chance to Shine, said: “We are delighted to welcome Kathryn, Lauren and Tammy to the team. Our partnership with ECB over the last six years has had a positive impact both on and off the field. Not only have the team recently defended the Ashes in Australia, but young children around the country are getting the opportunity to play cricket thanks to the most inspirational coaches possible.”
ECB Head of England Women’s Cricket Clare Connor said: “The pioneering partnership between the England Women's cricket team and the Chance to Shine charity continues to thrive. One million girls have now received cricket coaching as a result of Chance to Shine, and thousands of those girls have been coached in their schools and clubs by members of the England Women's team through their roles as coaching ambassadors. We are really proud of the story so far and, with eight England women’s players now in these roles, we have an even greater opportunity to inspire more girls to take up our sport.”
To find out more about Chance to Shine and to get involved visit www.chancetoshine.org