Old Park sign up for our new year-round PE programme
Cricket Shropshire has launched a new year-round PE programme to benefit schools in the county – and the first to sign up is Old Park Primary School in Telford.
The new package comes on top of our existing schools offer and aims to help children who might otherwise miss out access regular sport and structured physical activiy.
This can be due to geography, cost, or a lack of local opportunities.
Cricket Shropshire has a long-standing partnership with Old Park Primary, helping to create an environment where every child has the chance to play, develop, and enjoy sport, regardless of whether they are connected to a club or have played before.
Lead Officer Steve Reese said: “We have delivered the Chance to Shine cricket programme in schools for a number of years now.
“As well as promoting the physical benefits of regular activity, we use cricket to teach children important key life skills that will help them beyond the playground.
“Through the values of cricket, we teach children about respect and fair play.
“Cricket is also an effective way to develop skills like communication, leadership and perseverance that will benefit them throughout their life.
“We believe that cricket is an inclusive sport, where girls and boys can play and learn together.
“Having a presence in a school for six weeks is great, BUT Cricket Shropshire wants to have a greater presence and build relationships for longer periods
“Our aim is to extend that connection to the local community where in recent years Cricket Shropshire has had excellent success with their Chance to Shine STREET Programme, working in partnership with local authorities – specifically Telford & Wrekin Council.
“With the Cricket Shropshire staff able to offer skills beyond cricket, they are embarking on promoting a Year-Round PE Programme to Primary schools and build on those established relationships where confidence in the quality and reliability of delivery has been seen.
“Schools already purchase extended delivery packages, but we want to have that year-round presence to become part of the school, embedding ourselves into the school culture and work with the school to extend the experiences of physical activity into post school clubs and organisations not only cricket.
“We are delighted to have Old Park Primary as our first school sign up to the programme.”
Speaking about the impact of the partnership, Andy Parton, Assistant Head at Old Park Primary School, highlighted the difference the programme has made to both pupils and staff.
“Over time, the relationship between the school and Cricket Shropshire has developed into far more than coaching sessions delivered during the school day.
“Together, they have built a shared commitment to raising the profile of PE, widening participation in sport, and creating inclusive opportunities for young people within the local community.”
At the centre of that success has been coach Ryan, who Andy describes as ‘an extended member of the staff team,’ earning the respect of both pupils and parents through his positive approach and commitment to the school’s ethos and values.
“His sessions are fast paced, engaging, and carefully structured to allow pupils to succeed while continuing to develop their skills.
“Children are encouraged to communicate, collaborate, and compete within a supportive sporting environment where enjoyment and personal growth are prioritised.
Importantly, the programme provides opportunities for children who may never have previously considered cricket accessible to them.
Young people can come along, learn the game, and take part with friends without needing an existing connection to a cricket club.
For many families in areas of deprivation across Shropshire, this provides a valuable opportunity to access sport in an inclusive and welcoming environment.
Andy also praised the wider benefits for school staff, explaining that working alongside experienced community coaches has supported professional development and strengthened PE provision across the whole school.
The partnership continues to demonstrate how schools and community sport organisations can work together to break down barriers to participation.
This ensures more children across Shropshire have the opportunity to be active, feel included, and discover the enjoyment of cricket.
If anyone would like to find out more, please contact Schools and Community Programmes Manager Sacha Lee sacha.lee@cricketshropshire.co.uk