Quality Sport and PE in schools isn't just important for children's health, it teaches so many valuable life skills as well. Today England Men's Test Captain Ben Stokes visited Hawthorn Primary School in inner city Newcastle, a state school where cricket wasn't played until 2 years ago. Now children benefit from free sessions funded by the ECB and delivered by Chance to Shine and NORTHUMBERLAND CRICKET BOARD LIMITED. It was clear today how much the children enjoy the sessions, and teachers have noticed positive benefits in the classroom as well. This is why it's so important that politicians ensure there's a minimum two hours' quality PE or sport in school each week as part of the National Curriculum.
Inspiring the next generation of leaders ❤️ Today England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) captain Ben Stokes joined us at Hawthorn Primary in the centre of Newcastle, a school that has fully embraced cricket through the Chance to Shine programme and our partners at Northumberland County Cricket Board. Last year 60% of the 4,357 schools we worked in had a higher than average number of pupils eligible for free school meals. Statistically we know these children are less likely to be active and often lack access to facilities outside of school. What we also know is when given the chance, these children can fall in love with the game of cricket. This is so much more than just a bat and ball; the confidence, resilience, leadership and life skills that pupils pick up from our programme is proven. Ben's visit gave them a small glimpse at where those vital traits can take you in life. We echo the calls for the government elected at the general election to guarantee every child at least two hours of physical education in schools each week. #inspiring #leadership #schools #sport
