‘A truly outstanding day’: Cricket tournament delivers sense of unity in Refugee Week

The power of sport to unite people was much in evidence during a special cricket tournament at the School held during Refugee Week.

The ‘T15 Tournament’ on Wednesday 21 June, organised by the Kent Cricket Community Trust (KCCT), saw a team of unaccompanied child migrants from Afghanistan taking on sides from Kent Police and from Tonbridge, with the wider aim being to break down barriers and provide an enjoyable cricketing experience for all involved.

Honours were evenly shared in the triangular-style tournament as each side won one of their matches.

The final action of the day saw an exciting run chase by the Afghan Refugee XI, who fell just 7 runs short of the impressive 133 target set by the School XI. The latter team featured Tonbridge boys and those from nearby Skinners’ School.

KCCT’s First Change Programme uses cricket as a way to build trust, helping young refugees to take early steps towards integrating and contributing to UK society.

Stuart Butler-Gallie, KCCT Chair, said: “Refugee Week may have finished, but the journey to find a place where so many people escaping war, famine or persecution can be accepted, continues. Many making this journey are young men, and sometimes young girls, on their own.

“The weather, the setting, the joy on everyone’s faces and the interaction between the young refugees, the students and the Kent Police players all added to this being a truly outstanding day.”

Chris Morgan, Director of Sport at Tonbridge, added: “The quality of the cricket, and the great spirit in which it was played, was a fitting reward for everyone who worked so hard to organise this event.

“Without doubt this was one of the most fulfilling days of my professional career. What was clear for all to see was the positive impact that sport can have in galvanising relationships, breaking down barriers and bringing people together.”

Zoe Harris, Kent County Council’s Operations Manager – Reception and Safe Care Service, said:  “It is difficult to put into words the amazingly positive impact that Kent Cricket Community Trust’s First Change Programme has had on those refugees fortunate enough to have engaged in the programme.

“The memories from the T15 tournament will stay with these young people forever. We want to continue to work with KCCT, not only to offer these experiences to future migrants but to help ensure cricket remains part of their lives as they move on, often to other parts of the UK.”