The participant

Jaffer Baloch, 17, Southwark, SE London

Jaffer lives and goes to school in the London borough of Southwark and has been involved in StreetChance since it started in 2008. Though never involved in gangs himself, Jaffer has seen the negative influence it can have on people in and around the estate where he lives. Jaffer is keen to fulfil his potential as a cricketer, and with StreetChance giving him the opportunity to keep playing all year round he feels it has helped give him a positive focus.

“I was never in a gang or anything, but I used to spend time hanging around the estate with troublemakers. There would have been a risk of getting into trouble because there was nothing better to do. Now I’ve moved away from the bad influences jamming on the estate and like to practise bowling at stumps in the hard court when I have some spare time.”

Jaffer also recognises that StreetChance gives youngsters an outlet away from the postcode and school rivalries that are common in inner-city London and allows him to mix with people from different backgrounds through a shared enjoyment of cricket.

“I am from a different area to the other lads who come to these sessions, they tend to be from Peckham or Bermondsey. Normally there’s a rivalry because of that but here it’s cool. I’ve learnt a lot and my attitude has changed towards other people. There are some lads from Brent who we’ve played. I never got along with them but when we were playing cricket we started talking to them and started to get to know them. This wouldn’t have happened without StreetChance.”

Having learnt to perceive others differently, Jaffer also feels happier in himself.

“Enjoying cricket more through StreetChance has made me more confident as a person. My attitude has changed. I take more responsibility for the team. You’re doing it for yourself and the team, and I’ve also captained the team in a couple of tournaments and on a trip to Sussex. The responsibility we’re given is great, but I also feel like we’ve earned it by practising hard with our coach.”

Responsibility is something Jaffer has been given plenty of: through StreetChance he has been on two cricket tours, shadowed the Lord Mayor of London for a day and is Head of the Young Ambassadors Steering Group for the project. This has all been a valuable learning curve and something he feels will help him build a career.

“I now want to stay involved in cricket for the rest of my life, and my coach has assured me it’s a good career. I’m doing the StreetChance coaching apprenticeship alongside my A levels and have already done some work experience.”