Cricket is a

piece of home.

A free after-school and summer cricket program for refugee, immigrant, and local youth in Spokane. Launched in 2025 with Manzanita House and Innovia Foundation.

Practice is Tuesdays, 3–5pm, at Underhill Park, 2910 E Hartson Ave. Free. No experience needed. Just come.

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Youth across the world are wild about cricket.

When they move to Spokane, they bring that passion with them.

The Spokane Cricket Academy develops excellent cricketers.
Middle- and high-school students gain skill at batting, confidence in bowling, endurance for fielding. Youth discover resilience and grit.
They work out team dynamics. And amid the disorientation of resettlement, they practice belonging, and even hospitality.

These kids are making Spokane a home... a better home for everyone here.

Players of all backgrounds and skill levels are invited to join at no financial cost.

Read Irshad's letter about the program

Irshad Ahmad Rahimi wrote this while serving as Cultural Engagement Navigator at Manzanita House.

Cricket for refugee youth: Watch the video

Read the full article

Mission

To give refugee, immigrant, and local youth in Spokane a welcoming path into the game of cricket and the sense of belonging that comes with it.

Vision

A Spokane where cricket belongs to every community. Where refugee, immigrant, and local players compete as neighbors, not rivals. Where youth play hard and work hard in ways that fit their culture and passions.

Supporters

Manzanita House: Helped launch the official after-school cricket program in 2025.
Innovia Foundation: Funded the first equipment and practice space.
LaunchNW: Supported the program through the EngageIRL initiative.
City of Spokane: Maintains the Underhill Park cricket pitch.

Expect to find...

Belonging over barriers

No cost, no experience required — every kid and youth who wants to play is welcome.

The spirit of Melmastia: Afghan hospitality without condition.

Sportsmanship over rivalry

Players arrive carrying different rivalries and mindsets from back home — practice is where that gets set down.

From the Thirukkural: "the joy of vengeance lasts a day; the fame of forbearance lasts forever."

Built by community

A volunteer coach, senior players who mentor, and partners who believe every kid offers something valuable to Spokane.

The spirit of the Tamil verse: "every town is our own, every person our kin."

A real pathway

From first practice to NWCL competition — a visible next step for every player who wants one.

The spirit of Mudita: joy in someone else's growth.

"Back in Afghanistan we used to play, and nobody else offers this, so it's just a cool opportunity to be here."

- A player, Spokane Cricket Academy

"Now, as refugees in Spokane, they’re reconnecting with the sport they love."

- Spokane Public Schools

"Through Cricket Club, they’re learning teamwork, building confidence, strengthening relationships — and having a ‘wicket’ good time!"