Seven-year-old Immy Griffin found inspiration in cricket after first discovering the sport at her school, and has now become an inspiration for many – winning Schools Participant of the Year at the Chance to Shine Awards 2025!
Immy was one of 18,379 children to receive training from a Surrey Cricket Foundation (SCF) coach in 2025, which led her to join Merstham CC U8s team and transformed her life for good.
“When I first tried cricket at school in Year 2, I was really nervous. At the start, I could barely hit the ball, but as the weeks went on, I got more confident. Soon, I was hitting the ball low and far, and I loved it! I enjoyed the lessons so much that I started going to the lunchtime cricket club,” explains Immy. “I even helped other kids who hadn’t done the class sessions so they could join in too. Cricket made me feel happy, even when I was tired and hot from playing!”
At her sessions, Immy was trained by a perfect role model in her SCF coach, Daisy. “She made cricket fun and helped me believe in myself. She inspired me so much that when we had a ‘dress as someone who inspires you’ day, I dressed up as her!”
In a short span of time, cricket has come to mean a driving force in Immy’s life. “Playing cricket at school made me want to keep going, so now I play for the under-8s at Merstham Cricket Club,” she shares. “I even go along on Saturdays to cheer for the women’s teams. Cricket has given me confidence, new friends, and something I really love doing.”
Winning a prestigious Chance to Shine award made her proud, but most importantly, it reinforced her commitment to the sport she now loves. “It makes me want to play even more games and keep getting better!” adds Immy.
Immy’s inspiring story encapsulates how committed the Foundation are to ensuring more games happen at every level across Surrey and south London. They support and deliver entry-level programmes like All Stars and Dynamos to introduce thousands of children to the game, as well as the Surrey Junior Cricket Championship that provides a clear route into structured club cricket. For those who continue their journey, SCF support adult leagues and formats like the Surrey Cricket Championship so cricket remains a sport for life.
All year, the Foundation work hard to embed cricket in local clubs and schools through coaching and teacher training, ensuring it becomes part of everyday life.
