Tractor boy Sam blazes a trail for giving refugees a chance to dream
IPSWICH TOWN captain Sam Morsy is a tough competitor on the pitch but is a very different person away from it.
Morsy, 31, supports the Tractor Boys’ refugee project, sponsors a family’s season ticket and has proudly been involved in the EFL’S annual Week of Action by taking part in a coaching session for members at the club.
The midfielder has a special interest in trying to help because his Egyptian-born dad Mekawy came to England as a refugee when he was just 21. That has made Morsy even more determined to play his part, while he says having to overcome barriers through his own life has made him the person and player that he is today.
“The beauty of football is that it brings people together with all races, religions and everyone has their own challenges,” said the Wolverhampton-born star.
“If we can help them come to football, come together and have at least one day together then it can make a big difference.
“I sponsor a family of four for their season ticket at Ipswich, we also go to events and speak to people, watch sessions and also my dad works for a non-profitable Islamic centre in
Wolverhampton. It gives a family an opportunity to enjoy football which otherwise financially they might not be able to do.
“My upbringing and religion means I want to help and my parents are the most charitable people I have come across and that has always stuck with me.
“My dad came with nothing, he had a dream to make something of himself and now he wants to help others. We know how tough it can be moving country and trying to find your way.
“The Week of Action is an amazing thing and until I started speaking to the club about it, I had no idea about it but they put so much time and energy into it and I’m so proud to be part of it and the EFL.” Morsy (above) has won seven caps for Egypt, and his Muslim faith is a huge part of his life and explains why he wants to help refugees facing a huge crisis across the globe.
“It’s one of the biggest things, to help people, if someone is in need then it’s your obligation to help them. It’s not a choice,” he added.
Morsy paid a visit to Ipswich Town’s project this week, while team-mate George Edmundson also bought kit and coaches at a disability session and they both enjoy giving something back.
The Tractor Boys are also doing positive things on the pitch this season, pushing for promotion back to the Championship.
Morsy, who will captain the side today at Oxford, said: “I’ve always been naturally competitive.
‘Most of my family are like that, my mum, my dad and even my five-yearold is really competitive as well. It runs in the blood!
“We feel like we’ve got a really good team, the town is here for us and the supporters are really behind us. It’s a brilliant club, the owners have been great, the people around the place are supportive.
“There’s no doubt in my mind this club is going to the top.”