England cricketers Chris Jordan and Maia Bouchier are supporting a new campaign to provide free cricket kits to underprivileged schools and community groups across England, Scotland and Wales. The initiative, called 'Changing The Batting Order', is run by the charity Bat For A Chance (BFAC) and aims to distribute 1,000 starter kits to children who might otherwise miss out on the sport.
Chris Jordan, an all-rounder for England and BFAC ambassador, said: '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.' Maia Bouchier, fellow England cricketer and BFAC Global Ambassador, added: 'When I was growing up, women’s cricket was very much an afterthought... Changing The Batting Order is about making sure every child... gets that opportunity.'
The campaign uses a data-driven approach, with digital partner Accuracast identifying the most deprived areas using government data. Kits will be delivered to 500 primary and secondary schools and 500 community groups, reaching over 20,000 children. Community partner Sported will manage distribution to community organisations.
Despite successes like ECB's All Stars and Dynamos programmes and The Hundred doubling female participation since 2021, many children still face barriers. One in three children from low-income families lack access to any sports club. BFAC, which uses cricket for social change globally, is now focusing on UK grassroots to build a stronger future for the game.
Primary schools in deprived areas can apply for a free kit at kit.batforachance.org.uk. Community groups should contact Sported directly.
