Bristol Cricket Project Combats Youth Crime
16 February 2012
The Gloucestershire Cricket Board is taking youngsters from Bristol across the country to play in the National cricket tournament at the NIA, Birmingham.
Bristol are entering an under and over 14 team that will play off against London, Manchester, Dewsbury and Birmingham.
The squads were selected from players who attend local community sessions, delivered by the GCB, providing free coaching for inner city youths.
Participants come from City Academy, Fairfield, Orchard, Brislington Enterprise College and Oasis John Williams Schools. The format is “tape ball” cricket that anyone can play. Each innings is 20 balls so the games are very quick and exciting.
The aim of the project is to give cricketing opportunities for youths aged between 8 and 18 who wouldn’t normally have a chance to play and access the game.
Other cities such as London and Birmingham have found that the sessions have had a massive influence on what decisions the young people make and the scheme offers them an environment that is safe and fun.
The project engages with the local police and works to build bridges where there are possible community tensions.
The Bristol project has been running from September and those involved love it. The selected players that are going to Birmingham cannot wait to compete and they are eager to win as many matches as possible.
For additional information on the Bristol StreetChance project please click here
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