The girls’ project

Sutton

In April 2010, StreetChance launched its first girls’ community project in Sutton, and a diverse group of young girls quickly came together, many of whom went to the same school but hung around in different social circles and had never interacted before.

Beth Evans, their community coach, has overseen a remarkable transformation in many girls as they have become closer over the months:

“Some of them are now friends with girls they would never normally even speak to at school, and they all take great interest in each other’s lives inside and outside of the club. It’s amazing to watch them become a family and be happy with each other. This is a group of young girls from different cultures and backgrounds bonding together.”

Attendance amongst the girls is impeccable as their Friday evening session has become a firm fixture - one girl who missed a session after breaking her elbow was found one week later swinging a bat one handed and encouraging her friends to give their all.

Such dedication has seen a notable improvement in their cricket skills. When they first competed against StreetChance boys they lost every game and did not really enjoy the day. Whilst Beth admits many were “dreading it” when they returned to take on the boys 6 months later, they won all but one game and Beth noted with delight how

“it was incredible to see their smiles grow throughout the day, and watching the boy’s faces change throughout the day was just as interesting.”

The girls frequently follow sessions by preparing food together as a group. Beth is on hand to talk about school, home life and anything else the girls may want advice on.

“It took them few weeks for them to get to know me, but after then, they kind of ‘cracked’ and they appeared to start to trust and confide in me. I am on hand to help with anything that comes up in their lives - not just the cricket”.

Two local female Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) have been attending the session, working to change perceptions amongst the group. This was prompted by a discussion where Beth identified a negative attitude towards police, where some even felt that “getting in trouble could be cool and give them a good reputation” amongst peers. Since the PCSOs became engaged, they have helped the girls stay safe in their community, handing out personal alarms, discussing local issues, and highlighting the dangers of befriending strangers through Facebook.

The Sutton girls’ session has been a real success, with the girls having forged close bonds, developed their cricket skills and openly discussed issues with the coach and the local police, all of which have had a profound impact on the way they approach life. Since it started, StreetChance has started a further three girls’ community projects, seeking to replicate enjoyment found in Sutton on Friday evenings.