Hampshire Coaches Shine at National Awards

Two Hampshire grassroots coaches were recognised at the annual awards of the national charity Chance To Shine, which aims to give all children the opportunity to play, learn and develop through cricket.

Andrew Morris of Ropley Cricket Club was named winner in the Lockdown Hero category, which recognises individuals who have gone above and beyond to support their local community through a very challenging year.

The awards ceremony took place virtually but this did not the excitement for Morris, and New Milton Cricket Club player coach and Hampshire Cricket Board's Schools Activator Ryan Beck, who also made the national top three shortlist.

Andrew started his lockdown activity with weekly cricket challenges on social media for his women’s and girls’ teams. This soon grew to include multiple quizzes for the players and their families each week and offering zoom calls with fellow ambassadors from Havant and East Hants MIND, the mental health charity.

Ryan created daily, active social media videos starting with cricket themes but then moving to other sports and a focus around behaviour and attitude at home. He also raised money for the NHS by completing a garden marathon and led the cricket board's Stay In Work Out videos.

Find out more about:

• Playing cricket in Hampshire
• Cricket coaching in Hampshire
• Chance To Shine (national cricket charity supported by England and Wales Cricket Board, Sport England and NatWest)