A new report from the Institute of Youth Sport (IYS) at Loughborough University has revealed that cricket is helping to improve the social wellbeing of pupils at state schools across the UK.

The study, which was undertaken in order to examine the impact of the Cricket Foundation's 'Chance to shine' initiative, concluded that students benefited from increased fitness levels, improved social skills and sportsmanlike behaviour. Research also claimed that the sport was also helping to improve the behaviour of young people both on and off the field - particularly in areas suffering social deprivation, while gender barriers for girls were also being removed.

'Chance to shine', which aims to deliver cricket and its educational benefits to at least two million children by 2015, reached 350,000 young people at 3,000 state schools across Britain during 2009. Dr Ruth Jeanes of the IYS, who led the research, said: "While Chance to shine is undoubtedly having a positive impact on general cricket provision and the development of opportunities for young people, its contribution to improving the social wellbeing of many of its participants illustrates that it is much more than just a cricket development initiative."

Wasim Khan, chief executive of the Cricket Foundation, added: "The news that Chance to shine is having a major impact on our schools, teachers and pupils is fantastic. We will continue to strive to give as many young people the opportunity to play and be educated through cricket."