In a spectacular celebration of youth sport and inclusivity, Chance to Shine, a UK-based charity dedicated to promoting cricket in state schools, has officially set a Guinness World Record for the world’s biggest cricket lesson.
The record-breaking event, held on Monday at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground in St John’s Wood, north London, brought together 943 children from 35 schools across the country. The impressive turnout surpassed the previous record of 645 participants, set in Birmingham in 2022.
Chance to Shine has long been committed to introducing cricket to young people, especially in disadvantaged communities, and Monday’s event served as a powerful symbol of that mission. Participants engaged in an interactive and inclusive coaching session on the hallowed turf of Lord’s, widely regarded as the “Home of Cricket.”
CEO Laura Cordingley expressed her pride, stating:
“This is not just a world record – it’s a celebration of every child who picks up a bat or ball for the first time. To host this moment at Lord’s, with almost a thousand children, shows what cricket can do when it’s truly open to all.”
The event was overseen by Guinness World Records officials, who verified the numbers and confirmed the successful achievement of the new title.
For many of the children, it was their first visit to Lord’s and an unforgettable opportunity to be part of cricketing history. The initiative reaffirms Chance to Shine’s enduring impact in making sport more accessible, enjoyable, and unifying for young people across the UK.
