Chance to Shine brings ‘bright star’ England cricketer to Mulberry Academy Shoreditch for tenth anniversary celebrations

On Wednesday 13 May, cricket charity Chance to Shine and England international Moeen Ali visited Mulberry Academy Shoreditch to hold a range of activities with students, as part of its tenth anniversary celebrations. The charity was formed at Mulberry Academy Shoreditch in 2005 and this visit acted as a fitting tribute to the role that the academy has played in Chance to Shine’s success in bringing cricket to 2.5 million young people in state schools in England.

Joining Moeen at the event was cricket broadcaster Mark Nicholas, who co-founded Chance to Shine with former Governor of the Bank of England Lord King and renowned bat manufacturer Duncan Fearnley. Academy students teamed up with pupils from Hague Primary School, taking part in a range of cricketing activities with Moeen. This represented a unique chance to hone their skills and gain tips on how to improve from one of England’s brightest talents.

In addition to the activities with the students, Chance to Shine representatives unveiled a plaque at the Academy to commemorate the charity’s milestone and where it had its roots. The students and their primary school companions emerged from the sessions enthused by the coaching they received, and more aware of how playing cricket can provide a plethora of opportunities and help develop a range of skills for both boys and girls in England.

Mark Keary, Principal of Mulberry Academy Shoreditch, commented: “Chance to Shine’s visit was a resounding success; we are proud of our role in helping launch the charity back in 2005, and are delighted to spend some time with Moeen Ali and the Chance to Shine representatives this week.

The charity’s work has been inspirational for our students, many of whom have discovered a passion for cricket and the benefits it can bring to young people’s personal and social skills. We look forward to being involved in more Chance to Shine events in the future.”