Next week in Caen, a cricket tournament will take place on a makeshift pitch crafted from two pieces of chipboard topped with carpet at a baseball practice ground. Nine teams of refugees, primarily from Normandy, will compete over two days in a series of round-robin T5 tape-ball games.
The competition is expected to be intense, with fast bowling and an added challenge if the ball strikes the poorly concealed joint between the chipboard. Local Guardian reader Chris Drew will serve as the umpire. “In county cricket, there’s time,” he explains via video call from France. “Here, time isn’t a luxury. It’s all about hitting, running, and bowling—there are no defensive tactics.”
“The primary goal is fun. It brings together people who share a love for the game, momentarily setting aside their concerns. I don’t inquire about backgrounds or statuses; it’s simply about creating joyful moments.”
Last year marked the tournament’s inaugural event, which was sponsored by a kebab shop that provided free meals. This year, Drew plans to make Welsh cakes and bara brith, with cucumber sandwiches prepared by his wife. The event will encourage a sense of community, with attendees bringing food, such as salads and chicken dishes, to share.
Community spirit thrives as teams await news on their progression to knockout rounds. Many players will bring tents to camp in local gardens, embodying a collaborative spirit. However, bowlers will focus their runs from one end of the field to avoid sending balls into nearby houses.
The availability of equipment for the players is largely thanks to volunteers from Project Front Foot (PFF), a registered charity collecting surplus kits from clubs for refugee communities. Initially supporting children in the Dharavi slum of Mumbai, PFF shifted its focus just before the pandemic to assist refugees in Europe.
Project leader Vic Mills and his team dedicate their efforts to gathering and redistributing equipment. They collect donations from clubs each September, sorting and labeling them for customs before storing them until the cricket season. Recently, they prepared over 2,000 items, demonstrating a commitment to ensuring that donated equipment finds a meaningful home for those in need.
On April 4, the PFF van delivered supplies in Caen, followed by a barbecue for players and volunteers at the home of Caen CC’s president, Julia. Drew expressed gratitude for the support from PFF, stating, “They provide everything from bats to helmets, greatly contributing to the mental well-being of the players.” Feedback from previous tournaments has been positive, indicating a strong desire for continued participation.
