Clydesdale Bank Family of the Month

The Clydesdale Bank 40 family of the month has been announced for July, with the Rafiq family from Barnsley revealed as winners.

The Rafiq family have their own unique link to the Clydesdale Bank 40, the professional career of Azeem Rafiq, Yorkshire’s 20-year-old off spinner. But there’s more to the Rafiq family than the sports headlines, just ask the hungry players at Barnsley, the talent scouts at Yorkshire or the young sportsmen and women benefiting from the QADAR Sports Foundation, set up by Azeem’s mum and dad, Rehana and Muhammed.

Established a year ago, the QADAR Sports Foundation is named after the five Rafiq children, Qurat-ul-ain, Azeem, Danial, Amna and Rahila. In Urdu, Qadar means ‘help and respect’, which is exactly what Azeem received from Barnsley and Yorkshire Cricket Clubs on his way to becoming a professional cricketer. His parents’ foundation now aims to provide similar financial support to other talented players in South Yorkshire.

The other Rafiq children also provide support and encouragement for the next generation of cricketers. Danial, 18, has completed his level 2 coaching certificate and helps with Kwik Cricket coaching sessions and assists with ‘Chance to Shine’ coaching in local primary schools. Daughter Amna, 15 has helped form the Club’s women’s section – which includes her sister Rahila, 13 – while also playing for Barnsley boy’s sides. An all-rounder like her professional brother, Amna is also involved with Yorkshire’s young leadership programme and was recently selected for the county’s under 17 girls side.

Away from cricket, Rehana’s most popular contribution to the QADAR Sports Foundation is her cooking. Every couple of weeks Barnsley’s cricketers are treated to Mrs Rafiq’s Saturday evening curry. The meal used to be free, but with the charity growing, any donations are now ploughed into the QADAR Sports Foundation, to which the £500 prize money for winning family of the month will be donated.

Clydesdale Bank will be rewarding families for their involvement in cricket throughout the season, giving each winning family £500 to help maintain their involvement in the sport, £500 worth of cricket equipment from Gray Nicolls, and a trophy to recognise their efforts. To enter your family, please visit www.ecb.co.uk/clydesdalebank40.