The Most Important in Brief

1. Project Overview The Embrach Cricket Academy was launched in January 2025 to provide young Afghan refugee boys aged 14–18, particularly unaccompanied minors, with access to structured sports, social support, and educational development through the game of cricket. Cricket, a sport widely played and deeply valued in Afghanistan, offers these youths a familiar and motivating platform to engage with Swiss society, improve their German, and regain structure in their lives. The academy originally operated under Zurich Nomads Cricket Club, which has a longstanding tradition of inclusion and diversity in Swiss cricket. In 2025, the initiative expanded as a dedicated academy in Embrach, tailored to meet the specific needs of refugee youth. 2. Project Goals Integration through Sport: Facilitate social inclusion and intercultural exchange in a safe and welcoming environment. Language & Communication Skills: Support German language acquisition through coaching and team interactions. Mental Well-being: Offer emotional stability, confidence-building, and purpose for vulnerable youth. Sporting Development: Provide regular training, competitive opportunities, and pathways into club and national cricket teams. Gender Inclusion: Launch a new section for refugee women and girls, offering a safe space to engage in sport and community. 3. Activities & Reach Current Participants: Over 50 Afghan refugee youths, up from 10 at the launch. Frequency: Training sessions twice per week, plus friendly matches and holiday programs. Seasonal Use: Spring/Easter & Summer: Outdoor programs at the Embrach Cricket Ground. Winter: Indoor training in Winterthur. Competitive Pathways: Players compete in structured U19 leagues. Skilled athletes transition into Zurich Nomads CC adult teams, ensuring long-term engagement and progression. 4. Embrach Cricket Ground – Our Key Facility The Embrach ground, developed by Zurich Crickets CC and Nomads CC in 2021, is one of Switzerland’s six permanent artificial cricket pitches. It offers: High-quality, durable playing surface Accessibility for players without transport or financial means A focal point for regional youth development and refugee programs 5. Measurable Impact Social Impact Strong improvements in German communication and team interaction. Enhanced confidence, discipline, and punctuality. Active integration into Swiss community life through regular matches and teamwork. Sporting Impact 15+ players now competing in official U19 leagues. Several have progressed into adult teams and national cricket squads. The program acts as a model for sports-based integration of marginalized youth. 6. Future Development Women's Section Launch (2025–2026): Creating a dedicated training space for refugee girls and women to access sport safely. Equipment & Transportation Support: Many players lack personal gear or travel options; we aim to expand support here. Volunteer Training: Train Afghan youth as future coaches and mentors to ensure sustainability and leadership within the community. 7. Funding Needs We seek support from your Stiftung to: Sustain and expand training programs across seasons Provide equipment and clothing for players in need Develop and maintain safe access to indoor winter venues Establish and support the new women’s cricket section Cover transport costs for players from Zurich and surrounding areas to Embrach 8. In Summary The Embrach Cricket Academy is a grassroots, high-impact initiative addressing the integration of young Afghan refugees in Switzerland through structured sport, social connection, and personal development. Since its launch, the program has engaged over 60 young people, developed a sustainable sporting pathway, and created a proven model for integration through movement and community. We respectfully request your support in helping us expand this transformative work.

1. Purpose

   The purpose of Embrach Cricket Academy is to promote cricket as a means of physical activity, personal development, and social integration. The organization aims to provide structured training, competitive opportunities, and community engagement for players of all ages and backgrounds, with a particular focus on supporting refugees and underrepresented groups. Through cricket, the academy seeks to foster teamwork, leadership, intercultural understanding, and life skills, while contributing to the development of the sport in Switzerland and strengthening connections between diverse communities.

2. The Most Important in Brief

   1. Project Overview The Embrach Cricket Academy was launched in January 2025 to provide young Afghan refugee boys aged 14–18, particularly unaccompanied minors, with access to structured sports, social support, and educational development through the game of cricket. Cricket, a sport widely played and deeply valued in Afghanistan, offers these youths a familiar and motivating platform to engage with Swiss society, improve their German, and regain structure in their lives. The academy originally operated under Zurich Nomads Cricket Club, which has a longstanding tradition of inclusion and diversity in Swiss cricket. In 2025, the initiative expanded as a dedicated academy in Embrach, tailored to meet the specific needs of refugee youth. 2. Project Goals Integration through Sport: Facilitate social inclusion and intercultural exchange in a safe and welcoming environment. Language & Communication Skills: Support German language acquisition through coaching and team interactions. Mental Well-being: Offer emotional stability, confidence-building, and purpose for vulnerable youth. Sporting Development: Provide regular training, competitive opportunities, and pathways into club and national cricket teams. Gender Inclusion: Launch a new section for refugee women and girls, offering a safe space to engage in sport and community. 3. Activities & Reach Current Participants: Over 50 Afghan refugee youths, up from 10 at the launch. Frequency: Training sessions twice per week, plus friendly matches and holiday programs. Seasonal Use: Spring/Easter & Summer: Outdoor programs at the Embrach Cricket Ground. Winter: Indoor training in Winterthur. Competitive Pathways: Players compete in structured U19 leagues. Skilled athletes transition into Zurich Nomads CC adult teams, ensuring long-term engagement and progression. 4. Embrach Cricket Ground – Our Key Facility The Embrach ground, developed by Zurich Crickets CC and Nomads CC in 2021, is one of Switzerland’s six permanent artificial cricket pitches. It offers: High-quality, durable playing surface Accessibility for players without transport or financial means A focal point for regional youth development and refugee programs 5. Measurable Impact Social Impact Strong improvements in German communication and team interaction. Enhanced confidence, discipline, and punctuality. Active integration into Swiss community life through regular matches and teamwork. Sporting Impact 15+ players now competing in official U19 leagues. Several have progressed into adult teams and national cricket squads. The program acts as a model for sports-based integration of marginalized youth. 6. Future Development Women's Section Launch (2025–2026): Creating a dedicated training space for refugee girls and women to access sport safely. Equipment & Transportation Support: Many players lack personal gear or travel options; we aim to expand support here. Volunteer Training: Train Afghan youth as future coaches and mentors to ensure sustainability and leadership within the community. 7. Funding Needs We seek support from your Stiftung to: Sustain and expand training programs across seasons Provide equipment and clothing for players in need Develop and maintain safe access to indoor winter venues Establish and support the new women’s cricket section Cover transport costs for players from Zurich and surrounding areas to Embrach 8. In Summary The Embrach Cricket Academy is a grassroots, high-impact initiative addressing the integration of young Afghan refugees in Switzerland through structured sport, social connection, and personal development. Since its launch, the program has engaged over 60 young people, developed a sustainable sporting pathway, and created a proven model for integration through movement and community. We respectfully request your support in helping us expand this transformative work.

3. Goals

   The organizational goals of Embrach Cricket Academy are to: Promote cricket as a tool for physical activity, social integration, and personal development. Provide high-quality coaching, training, and competitive opportunities for players of all ages and backgrounds, including refugees and underrepresented groups. Foster teamwork, leadership, intercultural understanding, and essential life skills among participants. Develop certified coaches and umpires, particularly from refugee communities, to build capacity and leadership within the sport. Organize community events and outreach programs to strengthen social cohesion and cultural exchange. Collaborate with local clubs, schools, and national cricket organizations to expand cricket participation and visibility in Switzerland. Ensure sustainability and long-term impact by embedding programs within existing structures and maintaining strong partnerships.

4. Principles

   Embrach Cricket Academy is oriented toward using sport, particularly cricket, as a tool for social integration, personal development, and community building. The organization values inclusion, diversity, and intercultural understanding, actively welcoming participants from refugee and local communities alike. Its approach combines structured sports training with life skills education, language support, and community engagement, fostering teamwork, leadership, and resilience. By promoting equal opportunities and culturally sensitive practices, the academy creates a safe and empowering environment for all participants.

5. Measures

   Build Training Infrastructure: Construction of practice nets, a turf or hybrid pitch, and indoor training areas at Embrach Cricket Ground to provide a permanent, high-quality facility. Implement Structured Coaching Programs: Regular training sessions and mentoring for youth under 19 and women players, focusing on skill development, teamwork, and confidence building. Promote Social Inclusion: Ensure the academy remains open to all, encouraging interaction between refugees and local youth through joint training and tournaments. Community Engagement: Collaborate with Cricket Switzerland, local schools, and refugee support groups to recruit participants and volunteers. Organize Competitions and Events: Host youth and women’s tournaments to enhance participation, visibility, and community involvement. Provide Equipment and Safety: Supply cricket kits, protective gear, and insurance to ensure safe and inclusive participation. Monitor and Evaluate Progress: Collect feedback from participants, coaches, and partners to adapt programs and improve impact over time.

6. Financing

   The Embrach Cricket Academy is currently financed through a combination of community support, club contributions, and partnerships with organizations such as Cricket Switzerland. Funding is also sought through local government support, sponsorships, and small grants aimed at promoting youth development and social integration. Participants contribute modest fees where possible, though programs for refugees and low-income youth are largely subsidized or free. The academy aims to secure additional external funding to cover facility construction, coaching, equipment, and program expansion, ensuring long-term sustainability and access for all young people regardless of background.

Area of Impact

• Zurich, Switzerland
• Europe
• Western Europe
• Switzerland