Bradford native and Yorkshire bowler helping deprived kids

Former Yorkshire fast bowler Moin Ashraf has formed a new cricket scholarship programme, via his cricket coaching company The MACC Academy, aimed at helping youngsters from deprived backgrounds.

Having come from inner-city Bradford himself, it is an initiative he is extremely passionate about, in an attempt to give back to the game and is determined to provide opportunities for players in the 11 to 17 age range, he once lacked.

To be eligible, youngsters must be aged 11-17 and attend a state school.

Other factors for consideration will be whether families are recipients of Free School Meals, Pupil Premium or any other Household Benefit.

Scholars will be enrolled onto The MACC Academy’s High Performance Winter Academy at a location of their choice, free of charge, led by Ashraf himself.

Locations in West Yorkshire will include, Bradford, Leeds, Huddersfield & Wakefield.

To apply, applicants must visit www.themaccacademy.com/scholarship and fill out the form to the best of their ability - clubs and schools are advised to provide supporting statements.

Applications will close on September 15 and a panel of four will select players to attend trials - from which scholars will be selected.

The scholarship winners will be announced on October 1.

Clubs are urged to circulate to players that they would think are applicable.

For more information, please visit info@themaccacademy.com 

Moin Ashraf wants kids from deprived backgrounds to have the opportunities he had in cricket. (Image: Alex Whitehead/SWpix.com)

When asked about the formation of the scholarship scheme. Ashraf said: “Private cricket coaching is not affordable for everyone.

“That meant a thought crossed my mind whilst seeing the talent on display at Bradford Park Avenue one evening, while coaching: “Would Moin Ashraf have been able to afford the services of Moin Ashraf?”

“In other words, would the 12-year-old boy from West Bowling have been able to afford the services of an ex-professional cricketer with over 10 years professional playing experience?

“When I realised the answer was leaning towards a ‘no’, I knew action was needed to create opportunities for those less fortunate, so the MACC Academy Scholarship was born.

“This is such an exciting project for me. For those that know me well, I’m all about giving back to the community that made me who I am.

“I’m very grateful for the opportunities that my community presented me with at an early age, and I want to open those doors for everyone.

“The aim of the scholarship is to provide High Performance cricket coaching for those that wouldn’t have the opportunity to receive it otherwise.”

Ashraf’s raw talent caught the eye of local coaches, setting him on a path into the professional game.

His skill and enthusiasm saw him rise through the ranks, from the Yorkshire under-15s, to the Academy and the second team, and finally making his debut at the tender age of 18 - only the fourth British-born Asian to represent the county.

He also made his mark in the Bradford League with Great Horton, before moving on to Lightcliffe, where he played in their 2013 Priestley Cup winning side alongside England seam bowler Ollie Robinson.

Moin Ashraf bowling for Lightcliffe in 2013, the year they won the Priestley Cup. (Image: Mike Baker.)

He enjoyed a successful professional career in the UK and overseas, including two County Championships, a Twenty20 Blast winners medal and appearances in the Champions League.

Having retired from the professional game, his dedication and commitment to the sport led to the formation of The MACC Academy - which has centres across the county.

Throughout his cricketing journey, Ashraf has never forgotten his roots and now hopes that he can provide opportunities which might lead to another youngster from a similar background to him, making it as a professional cricketer.

Ashraf has secured the fund for several scholarships, but is working in collaboration with organisations to help fund the project.

If you’d like to discuss this further with Ashraf, please email info@themaccacademy.com