Sunderland young people celebrate national success after representing Durham Cricket Foundation at the Chance to Shine National Street Cricket Finals in Nottingham.
Young cricketers from Sunderland have been crowned National Street Cricket champions after YAV Sunderland claimed victory at the Chance to Shine National Street Cricket Finals in Nottingham last month.
The team, which forms part of Durham Cricket Foundation’s Street Cricket programme delivered in partnership with Chance to Shine and Young Asian Voices (YAV), travelled to the University of Nottingham in August to compete against Street Cricket teams from across England and Wales.
The national finals brought together hundreds of young people who had progressed through regional competitions, with teams competing in a fast-paced Street Cricket format designed to make the game accessible, exciting and inclusive.
For YAV Sunderland, the national title marks another proud milestone in a partnership which has helped bring free and accessible cricket opportunities directly into the Sunderland community.
The Street Cricket project was first established in Sunderland in 2018 through the partnership between Durham Cricket Foundation and YAV, with the aim of breaking down barriers to participation and creating opportunities for young people who may otherwise face challenges accessing traditional cricket provision.
Since then, the programme has continued to grow, providing regular opportunities for young people to play, compete and develop through cricket.
Mr Kumareswaradas Ramanathas, Executive Manager at Young Asian Voices and Board of Trustee of Durham Foundation said: “It was an immense honour to witness the Durham YAV U15s team win the National Street Cricket Finals in Nottingham back in August.”
“The result reflects the commitment, teamwork and confidence the players have developed through the programme and the opportunities that can come from having cricket available within their own community, a reflection of the efforts we strive to foster at Young Asian Voices in Sunderland.”
“As both a YAV Manager, coach and a Board member of the Durham Foundation, I am incredibly proud of our young people for representing our city and county with such excellence and heart. It is a true testimony to 8 years of hard work within the local communities which has paid off and has truly shown what is possible when talent meets opportunity.”
“Thank you to YAV Staff, Coaches, Volunteers, Durham Foundation Staff and Management Team for continuing to support our partnership initiatives and provide opportunities within the local communities in Sunderland and the surrounding regions.”
“Also a big thank you to Chance to Shine the National Charity for the fantastic experience and platform created by supporting local communities like ours to enjoy cricket weekly. We are already looking forward to next year’s tournament and we will continue to develop our partnerships and initiatives.”
Shahzana Aslam, Diverse Communities Inclusion Officer at Durham Cricket Foundation said: “We are incredibly proud of YAV Sunderland and everyone involved in their journey to becoming National Street Cricket champions.”
“The success is a great example of what can happen when we bring cricket directly into communities and work alongside organisations that know and understand the young people they support. Our partnership with YAV and Chance to Shine continues to create opportunities for young people to play, compete and develop and this national achievement is something everyone involved can celebrate.”
The success also builds on YAV Sunderland’s previous national achievements through Chance to Shine Street Cricket. The Sunderland programme has previously reached the national finals, with YAV’s girls’ team winning the national competition in 2022.
The national title is the latest chapter in a partnership that continues to demonstrate how community-based cricket can create opportunities both on and off the pitch.
For the latest generation of Street Cricketers, the Nottingham triumph provides another reminder of the opportunities that can begin with a local session and lead to a national stage.
Durham Cricket Foundation currently delivers Street Cricket in partnership with Chance to Shine across several communities in the North East, providing free, regular opportunities for young people aged 8–15 in underserved areas. The Sunderland project remains an important part of that work, with YAV helping to ensure the programme is rooted in the local community.