Changing The Batting Order — Every child deserves the chance to play cricket
1,000 free cricket starter kits will be distributed to underserved schools and community groups across England, Wales and Scotland
Supporting more than 20,000 children through 500 schools and 500 community groups
England cricketers Chris Jordan and Maia Bouchier are backing the initiative
Accuracast to ensure free cricket kits reach the schools and communities where they can make the biggest difference
Accuracast and Bat For A Chance have partnered to launch Changing The Batting Order, a landmark initiative that will provide 1,000 free cricket starter kits to underserved schools and community groups across England, Wales and Scotland, helping break down the first barrier to entry that so many children still face in cricket.
Changing The Batting Order will create access to sport where it is most needed. Using a data-driven approach, digital partner Accuracast will use publicly available government data to identify and target the most deprived areas across England, Wales and Scotland, ensuring kits reach those communities that need them most. Alongside community partners Sported, the programme aims to provide kit to over 20,000 children across 500 primary and secondary schools and 500 community groups.
ECB initiatives like All Stars and Dynamos have done a fantastic job at boosting participation, and The Hundred has doubled female participation since its launch in 2021. Yet too many children are still falling through the gaps. Children in deprived communities and urban areas continue to face barriers to the game, and one in three children from low-income families lack access to any sports club.*
Bat For A Chance uses cricket as a tool for social change around the world, launching and running innovative projects such as the first girls’ cricket club in the Caribbean and youth employment programmes in South Africa. These initiatives reflect Bat For A Chance’s belief in cricket as a force for education, empowerment and opportunity, aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
That is why Bat For A Chance is channeling its knowledge, network and expertise to children across the UK — building a stronger future for grassroots cricket that will benefit the game at every level.
For England cricketer and BFAC Global Ambassador Chris Jordan, that access is personal:
“Cricket gave me everything — discipline, belief, a sense of where I belonged. Growing up, having access to the game wasn’t a given, and I know how much of a difference it makes when a young person gets that chance. Through my work with Bat For A Chance I’ve seen first-hand what sport can unlock in kids who just needed someone to open the door. That’s exactly what Changing The Batting Order is doing, and I’m proud to be part of it.”
Maia Bouchier, England cricketer and BFAC Global Ambassador, knows that barrier all too well:
“When I was growing up, women’s cricket was very much an afterthought — the opportunities were limited, and you had to fight for every one of them. The game has changed enormously, but there are still children out there who never get the chance to pick up a bat. Changing The Batting Order is about making sure every child — regardless of where they grow up or what their background is — gets that opportunity. That means the world to me.”
Is your local school eligible? Share this link with them to apply for a free kit today: kit.batforachance.org.uk
Primary schools in deprived areas across England, Wales and Scotland can apply for a free cricket starter kit through the dedicated portal at kit.batforachance.org.uk. Kits are free of charge and will be allocated to schools in the most underserved communities.
Community groups wishing to apply should contact Sported directly, who are managing kit distribution to community organisations as part of this initiative.
About Bat For A Chance
Founded in 2019 by then 14-year-old Will Gaffney, Bat For A Chance has grown from a grassroots kit recycling effort into one of the most dynamic organisations in sport for development.
Our mission is to harness the power of cricket to drive social change globally. With entrepreneurialism at our core, we use a global equipment recycling and distribution programme to break down the barriers that prevent access to sport impacting lives, building communities and creating a unique global network of projects and partners.
We then leverage this network to co-design and fund locally-led projects that use cricket as a tool for communities to engage on key topics and develop new skills, aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals empowering communities across the world.
In just five years, BFAC has delivered equipment to 75+ projects in 21 countries, positively impacting more than 20,000 young people. The charity’s flagship kit redistribution programme continues to thrive, reaching communities across the UK and globally.
About Accuracast
Founded more than 20 years ago, Accuracast is an international digital marketing agency that helps ambitious brands grow across borders. The agency develops digital marketing strategies designed for international growth through AI-powered marketing solutions, data-led online advertising, innovative social media marketing, and international SEO and GEO.
Accuracast combines strategy, creativity and technology to build campaigns that connect brands with the right audiences, strengthen visibility and deliver measurable growth. Its work spans digital advertising, paid and organic social media, international strategy, market research, tracking and measurement, and search optimisation across markets and languages.
With more than two decades of experience, Accuracast works with brands looking to grow in existing markets and expand into new ones. Its approach is built around simplifying complex markets, identifying the strongest opportunities for impact, and helping brands scale performance over time.
For press enquiries, contact:
Accuracast
sales@accuracast.com
0800 019 6813
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