On a bright, breezy, and occasionally showery summer afternoon at Percy Main Community Sports Club, the spirit of cricket shone brighter than ever as the club hosted a charity match to mark Refugee Week 2025. The event, held on Sunday, June 22nd, brought together a Percy Main President’s XI, and a spirited team representing Walking With North Tyneside, a local charity dedicated to supporting refugees and asylum seekers across the area.

The match was more than just a game; it was a powerful statement about community, compassion, and the universal language of sport. Refugee Week’s theme this year, “Community”, felt particularly fitting, as families, friends, volunteers and players gathered side by side, showcasing how cricket can transcend cultural and language barriers to create a true sense of belonging.

The day began with warm welcomes, cups of tea and plenty of smiles. Volunteers of all ages, from both Percy Main and Walking With, brought food, raffle prizes, cakes and refreshments.

Shams Moussa, a key man in the organisation of the day’s festivities had the honour to deliver a ceremonial first ball. Despite his lack of cricketing experience, he rose to the challenge, brushed off the pressure, and hit the target - forcing a concerned defensive stroke from President’s XI opener Laurie Robson.

The teams took to the pitch with the sun peeking through drifting clouds, Percy Main batted first, opening with seasoned club regulars, while Walking With fielded a team made up of both experienced cricketers and complete newcomers — some of whom had never held a bat until a few days earlier!

Despite the casual format, the cricket was thoroughly entertaining. Percy Main posted a respectable total of 125 runs from their allotted 20 overs.

The interval saw spectators treated to delicious food from various cultures — pakoras, rice, salad and curry from Afghanistan, barbecued chicken, and homemade scones and cakes, reflecting the diverse backgrounds of those playing and watching.

Walking With set about their chase with a purpose, with captain Mashal top scoring as they hit their target in 16 overs.

As the visitors crossed the finishing line, both sides left the field to a well-deserved round of applause, with players exchanging hugs, high-fives and promises to keep in touch.

At stumps, the scoreboard showed a win for Walking With, but the true victory was for community spirit and understanding. Over £400 was raised through donations, food sales and the raffle — funds which will directly support Walking With’s ongoing work providing practical help, language support, and friendship to refugees and asylum seekers, and Percy Main Community Sports Club’s work in bringing sport to everyone in the local community.

Beyond the money raised, the event strengthened connections between people who might never otherwise have met. Many Walking With participants expressed their gratitude for feeling so welcomed into the club and promised to return, whether to watch, play, or simply share a cup of tea on match days.

Club Secretary, Alex Young, summed up the day perfectly:

As the sun dipped behind the pavilion and families began to drift home, there was a real sense that something special had taken place — not just a charity game, but a meaningful celebration of Refugee Week’s message that home can be built wherever kindness and respect are found.

Percy Main Community Sports Club extends heartfelt thanks to everyone who played, volunteered, donated, and cheered. Special thanks go to Walking With North Tyneside for partnering on this event and reminding us all of the power of community cricket to bring people together.

Plans are already underway for next year’s Refugee Week match, with hopes of making it an annual fixture in the club’s calendar. If Sunday’s turnout and goodwill are anything to go by, future games will only grow bigger and better — uniting even more people through the timeless joy of bat and ball.

If you’d like to support Walking With North Tyneside, volunteer with Percy Main Community Sports Club, or just come along to enjoy the cricket and meet new friends, please visit our website and social media pages for upcoming fixtures and community events.

Together, let’s keep proving that sport really can change lives, one game at a time.

This game would not have been possible without the many people who donated their time, effort, and money to the cause. We would particularly like to show appreciation to

Event Organisers - Shams Moussa and Alex Young

Team Managers - Jon Roys and Akakhel Mashal

Catering - Dildar Rahmanzai, and volunteers from Walking With

Volunteer Officials - Will Carter (umpire) and Luke Thelwell (scorer)

Ground Preparation - Christine Meldrum, Craig Sinclair, Pete Young, Frances Young

Support, and wisdom - Kirsty Munro-Winch (ECB) and Pip Gibb-Kirk (NCB)

Kit and Prize Donation - ECB, NCB, and Crossling Plumbing Supplies

The many donors who gave generously to make the day possible.