Oxford schoolgirl is eight-millionth to take part in scheme

Ava Montazer-Mahdi reached the milestone through children’s charity Chance to Shine, and was celebrated at a special event at John Henry Newman Academy in Oxford.

More than 200 pupils took part in a cricket-themed assembly and coaching sessions, joined by England fast bowler Sonny Baker.

He presented Ava with a signed England shirt and said: “Every player starts somewhere, and for a lot of young people that first chance to pick up a bat and ball can be the moment the game clicks for them.

“Chance to Shine plays a massive role in that – they’re absolutely key to the grassroots game.

“I absolutely loved it today; this is what it’s all about.

“This is why we play cricket; it’s about the fun and enjoyment.”

Ava said: “Becoming the 8 millionth child was very cool; I can’t explain how fun it was!”

Anneliese Dodds MP also attended the event, alongside representatives from Oxfordshire Cricket and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).

Kate Stephens, chief executive of Chance to Shine, said: “When Chance to Shine was founded in 2005, nobody could have imagined that we would one day reach eight million children across the UK.

“Numbers like this are important, but what really matters is the opportunities our brilliant coaches are creating for children in schools and communities every single day.”

Each year, Chance to Shine delivers cricket sessions in around a quarter of state primary schools across England and Wales and runs more than 300 free Street cricket clubs in underserved communities.