Hamburg's Neuland Lions, a cricket team, are the pioneering squad consisting of refugees within the HTB community
The Neuland Lions, a newly established cricket team consisting exclusively of refugees, is making waves in Hamburg, Germany. This innovative project, based at the Harburger TB (HTB), is the first of its kind in the city and is part of a broader sports initiative aimed at supporting refugees through integration and community building.
The team, comprised of residents from the DRK initial reception center in Neuland, has been training with borrowed equipment from the HTB until recently. On Thursday, they received a significant boost with a complete cricket starter kit worth 1000 euros, donated by the Hamburg Cricket Association. This generous donation will enable the team to officially participate in the HTB's indoor winter league.
The HTB, which sees itself as more than just a sports provider, is committed to promoting social cohesion in the neighbourhood. Sport is unique in its ability to connect people, and the HTB believes it should be accessible to all. The addition of the Neuland Lions has increased the membership of the HTB's cricket department by 15 new members.
The Neuland Lions recently held their inaugural tournament, a sporting event and a celebration of cultural integration. The tournament was designed to showcase the talents of refugee players, raise awareness of the refugee community in Hamburg, and promote the sport of cricket in a city where it is not yet widely established.
The initiative for this special cooperation was taken by the Cricket Hamburg Association, the Hamburg Sports Association, and the DRK, along with the HTB. The Neuland Lions have regular training sessions led by HTB coach Suresh, with 15 to 20 participants attending. The athletes pay the reduced membership fee out of their own pockets.
The Neuland Lions will have their first tournament on Sunday, September 1, at the THCC Rot-Gelb e.V. club grounds. The team's participation in tournaments brings together refugees and locals, using cricket as a medium to foster social cohesion and create new opportunities for the players.
The Neuland Lions' story underscores the power of sport to break barriers and build bridges in local communities. As cricket continues to gain popularity among refugees, particularly those from countries like Afghanistan where it is more popular than football, the Neuland Lions are poised to make a significant impact in Hamburg.
The Neuland Lions, now equipped with a cricket starter kit, willofficially participate in the HTB's indoor winter league, expanding the sport of cricket beyond its current popularity in Hamburg. As the team consists of refugees, their story reflects the ability of other sports, even those less widespread like cricket, to foster social cohesion and integration.
