SOMERSET Council has launched an initiative to help support displaced people through a love of cricket.

The Maqbul Project, which takes its name from the Afghan Persian word for 'beautiful' and 'accepted', aims to use cricket to positively impact the lives of asylum seekers and refugees who find themselves in the region.

The scheme has been organised by the Somerset Cricket Foundation with funding from Somerset Activity and Sports Partnership (SASP) through Sport England’s Together Fund. 

Training has been taking place at North Petherton and Weston-super-Mare Cricket Clubs. These sessions have been supported by groups including Charis Refugees, SASP and Voluntary Action North Somerset.

Cllr Federica Smith-Roberts, lead member for Communities, Housing and Culture at Somerset Council, said: “Somerset is proud to be a friendly and welcoming county and we’re also proud of our cricket, so this is a fantastic project which combines both.

"Maqbul is important because it unites people and brings communities together. There are people taking part from multiple countries, speaking multiple languages – but they are playing a great sport and hopefully having a great time.” 

Jon Bendle, Somerset Cricket Foundation’s managing director, added: “As a Foundation, we are striving to make cricket both inclusive and accessible across all our communities. This multi-agency approach to delivery means that the Maqbul project is a shining example of what is possible when we develop and build strong local partnerships. 

“The programme has developed into something which is both exciting and hugely rewarding for Somerset Cricket Foundation to be part of. The passion, desire and enthusiasm of the participants is overwhelming, and it’s so rewarding to see these groups becoming true communities through cricket.

"The key piece of this project is to integrate the participants into the local cricket community by giving opportunities at local clubs.”

Mustafa Shaikh, Somerset Cricket Foundation’s Community Activation officer, concluded: “As community activation officer and coach, it has been a real pleasure to be involved with the group. Their sense of humility and gratitude is something to behold. In fact, it's been inspirational.”

There are ways you can help. To find out how you could change a child’s story as a foster carer for an Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking Child, visit www.fosteringinsomerset.org.uk or call 0800 587 9900 to find out more.