The following Introduction to a report produced by the SHAPE Learning Partnership describes the first year’s work of the Sports Development Officer in increasing participation in cricket.

This post was part funded by Friends of Queen’s Park Cricket and demonstrates considerable success in meeting that objective in all age groups, across 5 cricket Clubs, 20 plus schools and 668 participants and well meets our Charity Objectives.

In the light of this success, we have agreed to provide a further £4,000 funding for another year to continue this work, embed the approach into schools and extend to children with disabilities.

“Introduction

This report outlines the reach and impact of a series of school and community cricket programmes delivered across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire. While Queen’s Park hosted one event, most delivery was relocated to Cutthorpe and Coal Aston Cricket Clubs due to scheduling challenges with Chesterfield Cricket Club. These alternative venues proved highly accommodating and instrumental in enabling inclusive, high-quality cricket experiences for local schools.

The programme aligns closely with the Friends of Queen’s Park’s charitable objectives: promoting healthy recreation, advancing cricket education and ensuring the long-term viability of cricket in the park. It also supports wider community engagement through inclusive formats, targeted school partnerships and disability cricket development.”