Community Coach Ben Chitiyo has been recognised as Street Coach of the Year at the 2024 Chance to Shine Awards, presented by Compare the Market.
Ben received the recognition for his outstanding contribution to community cricket, embodying the organisation’s mission to engage and inspire young people through the sport.
With three years of dedicated service, Ben has transformed cricket sessions into dynamic, inclusive experiences that go far beyond traditional coaching.
The nominations were long-listed by a team of Chance to Shine staff members and winners were chosen by a panel including representatives from Chance to Shine, Compare the Market, Sport England, and the ECB.
Ben uses his passion for cricket to inspire young people at Jo Richardson Street Club in Dagenham, adapting his coaching to meet the needs of his players.
He encourages them to take on leadership roles, which in turn fosters their love for the game, and his selfless dedication to making cricket accessible helps young participants develop a love for cricket.
Ben’s efforts have resulted in several players progressing to the local MCCF Hub as well as attending the Chance to Shine National Street Finals, where he won the ‘Inspiring Coach’ award.
“I think with these sessions, you tend to touch where clubs and other cricket organisations don’t, because you’re going right to people who have probably never played cricket,” said Ben.
“I tend to set up in the park, and that’s where I invite people. I think, ‘if I go in the park, there are likely to be young boys standing about doing nothing,’ but if they see us playing cricket, they want to join.
“I’m seeing a lot of that around where I live. Children who are very disadvantaged, and that’s really my passion, to end up changing that.”
Ismail, a participant in Ben’s Chance to Shine Street sessions, added: “Ben’s a great person, very bubbly and very joyful. Everyone loves him – I don’t think I know one person that doesn’t like him.”
“He’s always there for us whenever we need it. During tough times, he’s always there for you. You can just call him, you can talk to him about anything, and he’s always there.”
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