Cricket as a Tool for Social Integration of Refugees in Switzerland

The goal of our project is to foster social integration, personal development, and empowerment of refugees in Switzerland through cricket. By providing structured training, regular matches, coaching and umpiring clinics, and community events, we aim to create opportunities for meaningful social interaction between refugees and locals. The project seeks to build language skills, life skills, and leadership capacities, while promoting inclusion of women and youth. Ultimately, we aim to reduce social isolation, strengthen cultural understanding, and offer pathways to active participation in Swiss society, leveraging cricket as a tool for long-term integration, personal growth, and community cohesion.

The project addresses the complex challenges faced by Afghan refugees in Switzerland, particularly youth and young adults, who struggle with integration, social isolation, and limited access to structured recreational opportunities. Many have experienced trauma, displacement, and cultural dissonance after arriving in a new and unfamiliar environment. Language barriers and the lack of community networks further hinder their participation in local life. Cricket, Afghanistan’s most popular sport, offers a powerful, culturally familiar tool to bridge these gaps. However, opportunities to play and connect through cricket in Switzerland remain limited and uncoordinated. Refugees eager to engage in the sport often lack access to facilities, equipment, organized coaching, or pathways into local clubs. This project aims to solve these challenges by using cricket as a platform for social inclusion, providing structured programs that combine sport, language learning, and community-building.

Ther is a clear and urgent need for action to create structured, accessible, and inclusive opportunities that enable Afghan refugees to integrate into Swiss society in a meaningful and sustainable way. While existing integration programs often focus on language or employment, few address the social and emotional dimensions of belonging. Many refugees—especially youth—lack a sense of community, purpose, and safe spaces for positive engagement. Cricket, as a familiar and deeply valued part of Afghan culture, provides a unique opportunity to meet this need. By organizing regular training sessions, matches, and community events, the project leverages this shared passion to break down social barriers, foster friendships between refugees and locals, and build essential skills such as teamwork, leadership, and communication.This approach not only enhances social cohesion but also promotes mental well-being and long-term integration outcomes for Afghan refugees across Switzerland.

Embrach Cricket Academy (ECA) will promote integration of Afghan refugees through structured cricket-based activities. Weekly training and matches across Zurich, Aargau, and Geneva will be led by ICC-certified coaches, combining sport, teamwork, and language learning. Mixed teams of refugees and local players will foster interaction and friendship, supported by volunteer mentors. In partnership with Cricket Switzerland, ECA will register participants for certified coaching and umpiring courses to build leadership and employability. Community cricket days and the Unity Cricket Cup will bring together refugees, locals, and partners such as AOZ, celebrating diversity through sport and culture. ECA’s women’s wing will expand to include refugee women, ensuring culturally sensitive participation. A 20% operations manager will coordinate activities, supported by volunteers and local clubs. Funding will cover facilities, equipment, and travel, ensuring sustainable and inclusive participation a

The project relies on strong collaborations to ensure effective delivery and sustainability. Cricket Switzerland will partner with Embrach Cricket Academy (ECA) to organize certified coaching and umpiring courses and integrate refugees into local clubs. AOZ (Asyl-Organisation Zürich) will assist with outreach and participation of refugees in Zurich. Zurich Nomads and Zurich Crickets Cricket Clubs will provide coaching support, facilities, and mentorship for players. Collaboration with local asylum authorities in other cantons such as Aargau, Bern, Solothurn, Geneva, and St. Gallen will extend activities nationwide. Additionally, NGOs and women’s shelters will support the inclusion of refugee women, ensuring safe, culturally sensitive participation. Together, these partnerships combine expertise in sport, integration, and community engagement to build lasting social connections and create a sustainable pathway for refugee inclusion through cricket.

The project is highly effective because it uses cricket—a culturally familiar and beloved sport among Afghan refugees—as a tool to promote integration, confidence, and community belonging. By combining regular training, language learning, and leadership opportunities, it addresses both social and practical barriers refugees face. The structured approach ensures consistent engagement and measurable outcomes such as increased participation, certified coaches, and stronger community ties. Collaborations with Cricket Switzerland, AOZ, and local clubs guarantee professional execution and access to established networks. Previous initiatives led by Zurich Nomads, featured in major Swiss media, have already proven cricket’s success in fostering intercultural friendships and inclusion. This project builds on that success, expanding its reach to women and other cantons, ensuring long-term, scalable impact on refugee integration through sport.

Our project stands out for integrating sport, language learning, life skills, and community engagement to support refugee integration. Embrach Cricket Academy is uniquely suited to implement it, having evolved from Zurich Nomads Cricket Club with extensive experience working with Afghan refugees. We have established networks across cantons, certified coaches, and partnerships with Cricket Switzerland, AOZ, and local clubs. Our active women’s wing demonstrates cultural sensitivity and inclusion. With a proven track record in organizing training, matches, coaching clinics, and community events, we ensure high-quality delivery. This combination of expertise, experience, and cultural insight allows us to achieve sustainable, meaningful impact and foster social cohesion through cricket.