SSI and the Usman Khawaja Foundation (UKF) have come together around a shared belief: that every young person — regardless of where they were born — deserves fair access to sport and opportunities to be the best they can be.
For Usman Khawaja, that belief is personal. He arrived in Australia from Pakistan at the age of four, and sport gave him a pathway — a sense of belonging, confidence, and a place in this country he could call his own. This partnership exists to create those same pathways for others. Together, SSI and UKF are working to open doors for children and young people from refugee and migrant backgrounds who’ve either had limited or no access to sport, mentors, or opportunity.
Sport as a bridge
Sport doesn’t care where you’re from. The moment you step onto a field, you’re part of a team — and part of a community. SSI has long understood this, using sport as a tool for connection, wellbeing and inclusion through programs like the SSI Multicultural Sports Club in Logan, Queensland. The Usman Khawaja Foundation brings the same spirit: sport as a bridge to new beginnings, not just a game.
Together, we’re giving young people the tools to find their place in Australia — building confidence on and off the field, and fostering resilience, belonging and purpose along the way.
Getting started
In April 2025, SSI and UKF launched their partnership at Woodridge North State School in Queensland, with a cricket clinic led by Usman alongside trained coaches. For many of the students that day, it was their first introduction to the game — and a chance to connect with a role model who knows what it means to find your footing in a new country.
In Usman's words
“Every child deserves a fair shot — regardless of where they come from. It’s not just about cricket — it’s about confidence, connection and feeling valued. That’s what SSI stands for, and it’s why I’m proud to be part of this partnership.”
Looking ahead
This partnership is just the beginning. SSI and UKF are committed to growing our work together — guided by community need and co-designed with the young people we serve. There are kids across Australia who have never had access to sport, to mentors, or to opportunities that others take for granted. Our goal is simple: no community left behind.
Want to get involved or learn more about SSI’s community sport programs?