My Life: Marcus Miller, 15, Tottenham, London
Marcus Miller
Tuesday, August 6, 2013
I got involved with StreetChance three years ago when coaches came to my school inviting us to play cricket for free at a local community centre. I really like cricket, so I was pleased to have something to do after school.
I started promoting the project at my school by handing out flyers and running taster sessions every Tuesday. I also offered to help my coach at the start of sessions by leading the warm-up and organising drills. I've always wanted to be a coach, so this was a really good experience. It gave me a good idea of what it would be like to be responsible for my own sports class.
I helped with recruitment by getting one new person to the session every month. I also contributed around 200 hours towards coaching other young people in my area.
My efforts were recognised at the StreetChance Awards this year. I won the Special Recognition Award with my school friend Ronit Abiyani, who supported my after-school session. The ceremony was held at Lord's cricket ground and we got to meet former England cricketer Ashley Giles and BBC sports presenter Manish Basin, which was really exciting.
The whole experience has strengthened my drive to be a coach and given me the skills to be a leader. Without my coach and my friend Ronit, I don't think I could have got this far.
Marcus is a participant in StreetChance, which uses cricket to engage young people living in areas affected by youth crime and antisocial behaviour.
