A former student of Shireland Collegiate Academy spoke at the House of Lords in London as part of the launch of a new impact report from national cricket charity Chance to Shine. The report outlines the reach and outcomes of its school and community programmes across the UK.
Zak Naqvi, now studying Sport Coaching Science at Birmingham Newman University, has also been featured as part of a series of case studies highlighting young people who have progressed through the charity’s cricket initiatives.
His involvement with the charity runs alongside his academic studies, allowing him to apply coaching theory in real-world settings through community engagement and delivery. Zak’s invitation to speak at the House of Lords reflects both his development within the programme and his contribution to its wider activity.
Chance to Shine works across England, Wales and Scotland, reaching more than half a million children each year in state schools and community settings. Since its launch in 2005, it has introduced cricket to more than seven million young people. Its programmes are delivered free of charge and are funded through annual fundraising.
At the centre of its community work are Street Cricket Clubs, informal sessions delivered after school or at weekends in parks, sports halls, youth centres and other community spaces. Matches are short format and adapted to encourage participation, with coaches placing an emphasis on engagement and life skills alongside cricket development.
Across more than 300 clubs nationwide, the sessions target young people aged eight to 24, particularly in areas where access to sport may be limited by cost or geography. Some participants progress into local clubs or county pathways, while others are supported into coaching and leadership roles.
Zak’s account, included in the report, charts his introduction to cricket through free street sessions, which he described as a consistent space to play and build confidence.
“It’s helped me with my social skills and helped me become a better person,” he said. “I’m confident to talk to people now, we’re like a massive, extended family.”
Encouraged by a Chance to Shine coach, Zak went on to join West Bromwich Dartmouth Cricket Club, where he now plays and coaches. He continues to work towards coaching qualifications alongside his studies while supporting younger players.
Thomas Daly, Principal at Shireland Collegiate Academy, said the school was proud to see a former student contributing to a national conversation on sport and opportunity: “When you see one of your former students standing in the House of Lords, it brings home something important home for our current students. It shows them that what they do now, in lessons, on the sports field and in community sessions, can genuinely shape where they go next. Those opportunities don’t end when they leave school. They can lead to places and conversations they may never have expected.”
The launch at the House of Lords brought together educators, policymakers and young people to consider how sport can support confidence, opportunity and progression for children and young people across the UK.
