Cricket kit charity seeks support for growing UK work

Organisation helps clubs working in areas of high deprivation

Cricket equipment charity Bat for a Chance is urging fans to help support its growing work in the UK.

Chiefly known for its involvement in projects overseas, most of the equipment donated is now distributed to causes at home.

Bat for a Chance was founded by schoolboy Will Gaffney (pictured) in 2019 and it has since helped projects around the world.

But the charity also partners with the MCC Foundation to target cricket clubs working in areas of high deprivation, to help bring the joy of cricket to more underprivileged children.

"We have a reputation for supporting causes all around the world, but 60 per cent of our equipment is actually distributed in the UK," Gaffney told The Cricketer from his university accommodation in Manchester, where he is studying global development.

"We support various clubs around the country with equipment, particularly in London where they have kids who come from difficult backgrounds. It's something we're always happy to do."

Another of its UK-based aims is to help refugees, particularly Afghans fleeing the Taliban, to settle here. The charity has supported more than 5,000 cricketers fleeing conflict, both here and around Europe too.

"It's of huge value and importance to them, and has an incredibly high impact," added Gaffney, who founded the charity while a pupil at King's School, Canterbury.

"Having equipment as some of the first items of clothing they're given in this country means they can play sport which helps to get them comfortable, particularly young boys. When we give them the equipment, their faces say a thousand words. It's extraordinary what cricket does.”

To learn more about the charity's work and to organise a donation, either of kit or funds to support its work, visit www.batforachance.org.uk

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