The former Yorkshire seamer has this year created a scholarship scheme as part of his coaching business, The Moin Ashraf Cricket Coaching (MACC) Academy.
The scholarship scheme has enabled children from low socio-economic backgrounds to chase their dreams and play the game they love in elite facilities.
And Ashraf’s efforts have been recognised by the Professional Cricketers’ Association (PCA), who announced at their 2024 Futures Awards earlier this week that he had won their Community Spirit prize and £2,000.
Ashraf said: “I am passionate about the game and my community and I really want to make a positive change through my academy.
Moin Ashraf played with passion for Yorkshire between 2010 and 2015, so it is no surprise to see him care deeply about the children he is helping to coach. (Image: Alex Whitehead/SWpix.com)
“If you are from a low socio-economic or from an underrepresented background, we want to help, not just by getting them into the game, but to provide a pathway to go on and fulfil your potential.
“The MACC Academy wants to be a catalyst for social change, whether that’s regionally or nationally through the power of cricket, because cricket is an unbelievable sport that brings so many people together.”
MACC has academies across Yorkshire in Bradford, Wakefield, York, Sheffield, Doncaster, Leeds, Huddersfield and Hull, while there is also one in Blackburn.
When asked about the formation of the scholarship scheme this summer, 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.
“I was wondering whether the 12-year-old me from West Bowling would 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.”
