Chance to Shine nominated for Smiley Award for 20th anniversary documentary

The Smiley Awards celebrate powerful films that demonstrate positive social impact, with shortlisted entries determined by public vote. This nomination recognises the impact of Chance to Shine’s work and the stories of the young people at the heart of its programmes.

How to support

Public voting is now open, with votes closing on 30 January 2026. Each vote contributes towards securing a place on the Smiley Award shortlist.

Vote for '20 Years of Chance to Shine' via the Smiley Charity Film Awards website.

About the documentary

'20 Years of Chance to Shine' charts the organisation’s journey from a single school cricket session at Hague Primary School in Bethnal Green in 2005, to engaging almost eight million young people through cricket in schools, hospitals and communities across England, Wales and Scotland.

The film features many inspiring personal stories, including:

• Georgia Davis, England international and Warwickshire Bears captain, who was first introduced to cricket through a Chance to Shine school session and credits the programme with setting her on her sporting pathway.
  
• Jack, who found joy, confidence and escapism through cricket while undergoing cancer treatment at Great Ormond Street Hospital.
  
• Bashir, a young Afghan refugee whose involvement in a Chance to Shine Street club helped him settle into a new community, and now supports other young people through similar experiences.

The documentary also features reflections from co-founders Lord Mervyn King and Mark Nicholas, as well as contributions from Henry Moeran, Issy Wong, and Greg James.

Help amplify this nomination by sharing the film and voting link with colleagues and across social media. Increased visibility will help ensure these stories – and the wider impact of cricket on young people’s lives – are seen and celebrated.

Congratulations to Chance to Shine on this well-deserved recognition and on 20 years of inspiring young people through cricket!