Stuart wins recognition at awards

Stuart Elsworth at teacher at St Christopher’s Primary School in Speke, Liverpool has received the MCC Teacher of the Year Award at the Chance to Shine Annual Awards.

Stuart was recognised for his hard work supporting grassroots cricket and received his award from England Cricketer Jason Roy and Chief Executive of the Marylebone Cricket Club, Derek Brewer at Lord’s Cricket Ground.

The Chance to Shine Annual Awards celebrates clubs, individuals and schools who help to spread the power of cricket and make the charity such a success. The winners on the night came from those involved in both the schools and street programmes, rewarding them for their efforts, enthusiasm and commitment to the game.

Outside of the school hours, Stuart dedicates his free time to regular break, lunch and after-school cricket sessions to prevent vulnerable children from getting into trouble and create a fun, safe space for participants to enjoy.

Stuart has built a cricket community and raised the profile of the game in Liverpool.
After receiving the award Stuart said: “It’s been a fantastic evening and I’m just absolutely delighted to have won. All the hard work is worth it when you see the children just enjoying the game.

“It’s just about building their confidence up and showing them that if you try your best and put the effort in then you can achieve things. Cricket has been amazing for the children and it means the world to me to be recognised by Chance to Shine.”

Dave Goodall, LCB’s cricket development coach who delivers the Chance to Shine programme at St Christopher’s said: “Usually five or six schools used to dominate cricket in Liverpool and from the blue St Christopher’s suddenly emerged and started to win. It was Stuart’s enthusiasm which makes the kids feel good and he wants the pupils to actually realise and achieve success.”