Ipswich captain Sam Morsy is a tough competitor on the pitch - but a very different person away from it.
Morsy, 31, supports Ipswich’s refugee project, sponsors a family’s season ticket and has proudly taken part in the EFL’s annual Week of Action by taking part in a coaching session for members at the club.
The Wolverhampton-born midfielder has a special interest in trying to help as his dad, Mekawy, came to England as a refugee when he was just 21. That has made Morsy even more determined to play his part and he says having to overcome barriers in his own life has made him the person and player that he is today.
Morsy said: “The beauty of football is that it brings people together with all races, religions and everyone has their own challenges. 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’ve come across, and that’s 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’s Muslim faith is a huge part of his life and his outlook reveals everything about his religion and 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 said.
“I want to help and football gives you these amazing opportunities and it’s so nice to spend time with people and see how happy football can make them.”
Morsy paid a visit to Ipswich’s project this week, while team-mate George Edmundson also bought kit and coaches to a disability session. They both enjoy giving something back and the EFL also highlighted all the positive work clubs do up and down the country.
Ipswich are also doing positive things on the pitch this season as they are pushing for promotion back to the Championship, and they seem on the right path again.
Morsy is driven to succeed and says his determination on the pitch is a family trait, also insisting all of his team-mates are determined to get back into the big time.
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He added: “I’ve always been naturally competitive. It runs in the family, most of my family are like that: my mum, my dad and even my five-year-old is really competitive as well. It runs in the blood!
“I’m really enjoying it this season. It’s a great challenge, we’re in a good position and it’s going to be about fine margins and sticking together. We feel like we’ve got a really good team, the town is here for us and the supporters are really behind us. Hopefully, we’ll give something to cheer about come May.
“It’s a brilliant club, the owners have been great, the people around the place are supportive and there’s no doubt in my mind this club is going to the top. We are part of this next level for the club. You can write your name in the history books by getting the club to the next level and then push on from there.”
