Beauchamp cricket volunteer named Street Coach of the Year

Alongside her daily duties at Beauchamp College – where she supports a wide range of learners – Nafeesa is also an ECB qualified cricket coach for Leicestershire County Cricket Club. She runs cricket sessions in schools and community centres for boys and girls aged 4 to 16 as part of the Chance to Shine programme.

Chance to Shine is a national charity that uses cricket to heighten children’s learning and development. Every year dedicated coaches – like Nefeesa – support nearly 600,000 children by strengthening their social and physical skills.

Nafeesa first got involved in cricket in 2017 through the national ‘This Girl Can’ campaign, which encouraged more women to participate in sport.

“Growing up in Pakistan, I was told that sport was just for men and girls had no place in sports,” she explained.

“I didn't want my children to think that their mum is just a housewife, therefore I have always gone out to try something different by challenging myself to achieve my goals in life.”

The ‘Street Coach of the Year’ award is presented to an outstanding individual who supports the personal, social and mental wellbeing of children whilst also improving their cricket skills through innovative and highly enjoyable sessions that encourage participants to return week after week.

Well done Nafeesa, we are very proud of you.