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Levelling the playing field
Through cricket, we’re giving young refugees the chance to learn leadership, teamwork, and resilience, providing the skills they need to thrive – both on and off the field.
Empowering young refugees through sport
At Alsama, we believe in the power of sport to transform lives.
Our cricket programme offers a pathway towards developing life skills, as well as a source of hope and pride for the young people we serve. Sport not only boosts physical health but also nurtures emotional wellbeing, playing a significant role in enhancing academic performance.
In refugee camps, wide open spaces are a rare luxury, but cricket gives students the chance to enjoy fresh air and physical activity. This in turn supports both mental and physical wellbeing, helping students feel energised and more focused in their studies.
Cricket also teaches important life lessons, such as teamwork. A non-contact, skills-based sport, boys and girls of all ages can play it together, making it ideal for the cultural context of a refugee camp in the Middle East.
What’s more, it helps students build leadership skills. Our most committed players are given the opportunity to become coaches themselves, learning responsibility, accountability and the necessary values to become effective leaders.
From humble beginnings to game changer
Beirut’s first cricket ecosystem.
What started as small practice sessions in Shatila refugee camp on an improvised pitch has grown into a thriving network of 15 cricket hubs across Lebanon, engaging over 590 young refugees.
- 15 hubs across three camps
- 594 active players
- Six hours of cricket every weekend
Sport for all.
The inclusive nature of cricket allows boys and girls to play together, breaking down cultural barriers. The game is non-contact, focusing on technique, strategy and team coordination rather than strength. This creates equal opportunities for everyone, regardless of gender or size.
- 50/50 gender split among players
- 50% of coaches and student coaches are female
Building leadership and community.
Alsama’s cricket programme doesn’t just teach players how to bat and bowl – it empowers them to become leaders. Many of our players have progressed from beginners to junior coaches, becoming role models in their communities and demonstrating that leadership isn’t limited by age or gender.
- 30 student coaches currently in training
- Junior coaches progressing to ICC Level 2
- 97% of players say they love playing cricket
Growing the game.
We want to reach as many young refugees as possible, so we have an ambitious plan to run 42 cricket hubs by 2028. With a growing number of players, coaches, and champions, we’re proving that cricket can be a force for change.
- Expanding to 25 hubs in 2025
- 42 hubs by 2028
"Cricket at Alsama was the first time I saw boys and girls playing with each other.”
I was born in Deir es Zor, Syria. I now live in Shatila refugee camp in Beirut. I discovered cricket when I was walking past an Alsama cricket session 4 years ago. It was the first time I had seen boys and girls playing together. After that, my parents were unhappy that I would go to the playground.
After I joined Alsama, my parents took part in awareness classes and we discussed cricket a lot. Once they saw me as a Junior Coach, supporting younger players and enjoying the sport, they changed their minds and now support my cricket playing. I am a spin bowler, and love fielding.
"My family didn't think that girls could play with boys. Now I am a Junior Coach.”
I first started playing cricket with Alsama when I was 11 years old, having just moved to Shatila refugee camp from Syria. At first, my family did not accept me playing cricket. They didn't believe that girls should play on the same field as boys.
Cricket at Alsama has changed me. I really enjoy bowling. But mostly, cricket has allowed me to grow into a confident young woman. I am now a Junior Coach and play in our competitive team.
We have big dreams
for our cricket teams
We’re on a mission to help our students play cricket on the global stage.
We are currently on a journey towards registering with the International Cricket Council (ICC) so that we can found the Lebanese National Cricket Team, and play international cricket.
This will be a notable achievement, with the first national team to be represented not only by Arabs, but Syrian refugees. We can then begin climbing the ladder of cricket, working towards playing with the world’s best.
New horizons for refugee teenagers.
Alsama provides refugee teenagers in the Middle East with a world-class education, while transforming refugee education worldwide.
Keep up to date with our progress
Alsama Project is registered in the United Kingdom as a charity, no. 1191810. In Lebanon, Alsama Project is registered as an non-governmental, charitable organisation with the Ministry of Interior, registration no. 372/2021. In the US, Alsama Project is registered as a 501(c)3 organisation, registration no. 87-1842640.