ACANE’s Street Cricket Club kicked off in 2021 in Byker and has grown into a vibrant, well-loved part of the community. It all started with a few taster sessions for young people already involved in ACANE’s other activities. Word spread quickly, and more young people started bringing their friends along. Now, the sessions regularly attract over 20 participants, with even bigger turnouts during school holidays.
StreetGames are the only non-county cricket board delivery partner of Chance to Shine’s Street programme, supporting 15 community partners to provide cricket opportunities for their young people. We worked with ACANE to provide them with kit, equipment and funding to set up their Street cricket programme.
Before ACANE introduced Street cricket, there weren’t any real opportunities for young people in Byker to get involved in the sport. The club has completely changed that. Sessions are free, and are run by local volunteers who know the community well – helping them to feel familiar, welcoming, and inclusive. ACANE’s roots lie in supporting asylum-seekers and refugees from Africa, helping them settle and integrate into life in the North East. That same inclusive spirit runs through the cricket sessions.
The impact on the young participants has been huge: they have formed close friendships, grown in confidence, and developed better communication and teamwork skills. Some of the older participants have even started helping out with sessions, especially when coaches aren’t available, showing real leadership and ownership.
StreetGames’ support helps to ensure that cricket remains a year round offer for the young people ACANE work with in Byker. They have now also added cricket to their Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme, meaning young people are playing even outside of regular sessions.
Looking ahead, ACANE wants to keep the momentum going: helping young people become regular attendees, take on leadership roles, and get involved in other parts of ACANE’s work.
ACANE’s Street Cricket Club is a brilliant example of how sport can bring people together, build confidence, and make a real difference – both for young people and the community around them.
