The Green Shoot Project is the flagship social impact initiative of The Middle Stump, designed to use cricket as a powerful tool for youth empowerment, education, and community development across Africa. The project introduces cricket into schools and communities - especially in underserved areas—where children often lack access to structured sports programs. By combining sport, academics, mentorship, and life skills training, the Green Shoot Project creates safe, productive, and inspiring environments that help children stay in school, discover their potential, and build character traits such as discipline, resilience, teamwork, and leadership.

Why Cricket?

Cricket is not just a sport - it is a game of strategy, patience, and discipline. Its unique qualities make it particularly effective in shaping young minds and preparing them for life

  • Cognitive Development

    Cricket is a highly tactical game that encourages critical thinking and decision-making.

  • Character Building

    The values of patience, teamwork, sportsmanship, and integrity translate directly into daily life.

  • Inclusion & Equality

    Cricket can be played by boys and girls equally, allowing us to promote gender balance in all our programs.

  • Educational Link

    Cricket requires focus and discipline, qualities that reinforce classroom learning and academic persistence.

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The Problem We Address

The Green Shoot Project was created in response to urgent social challenges facing African children and youth:

  • Out-of-school children who lack motivation or opportunities for structured growth.
  • Idle hands and vulnerable minds prone to engaging in social vices, crime, or child labor.
  • Low literacy levels and educational gaps in underserved communities.
  • Child abuse and neglect, leaving many children without positive role models or safe environments.

By engaging children in cricket, we redirect their energy into constructive activities hat not only keep them in school but also give them the skills to succeed in life.

Impact So Far

Since its inception, the Green Shoot Project has made measurable impact:

  • Over 1,500 children have been reached across Lagos, Abuja, and Ibadan.
  • Age Range: Children aged 10 - 16, a critical period for personal and educational development.
  • Gender Balance: Actively promoting inclusion by ensuring equal participation of boys and girls.
  • State and National Representation: Children previously without direction have found focus through cricket. Several have gone on to represent their states in national competitions, with some invited to national trials.

Alignment with UN SDGs

The Green Shoot Project is directly aligned with the following United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

  • Good Health & Well-Being – Promoting physical activity and mental resilience through sport.
  • Gender Equality – Empowering both boys and girls with equal opportunities in sports and education.
  • Quality Education – Encouraging school attendance and reinforcing learning through cricket programs.

Our Vision for Green Shoot

We envision Green Shoot becoming a continental movement that brings cricket into every corner of Africa—transforming lives, building communities, and creating opportunities for thousands of children. Through strong partnerships, scalable programs, and sustained outreach, we aim to grow the project into a leading model of sport-driven social impact.

How You Can Support

The Green Shoot Project thrives on collaboration. We invite individuals, organizations, and institutions to partner with us through:

  • Sponsorships & Grants

    Funding camps, tournaments, and equipment for children

  • Partnerships

    Collaborating with schools, cricket clubs, and community organizations.

  • Volunteerism

    Joining as coaches, mentors, or program facilitators.

  • Advocacy & Awareness

    Helping us spread the message of cricket for education and empowerment.