In partnership with Reading FC Community Trust and Care4Calais, we are really excited that we are now collaboratively running weekly free football sessions for Asylum Seekers living in Reading, with the support from GLL. 

Following on from the success of the Refugee Football Festival in May, we have worked with GLL to secure a venue for sessions and coaches from Reading FC Community Trust. 

There are now multiple football sessions across the Berks and Bucks area running for local asylum seekers and refugees. 

Emma O’Hara, our Community and Inclusion Officer said, “Providing weekly football opportunities to this community group has always been the plan. The Football Festival was a brilliant first step, but offering this sustainable session makes a massive difference to these individuals. Thank you so much to GLL for working with us to make this possible.”

The next step is the organisation of competitive football games, so all the practice can be put to the test. If you have a team in the Reading or Wokingham area that would like to play a friendly against the newly forming asylum seeker teams, please get in touch. 

As we’ve previously emphasised, the biggest barrier to participation for this group is footwear and clothing. We will soon be launching our BBFA Footwear and Kit Drive and the Drop-Off Hubs, so any support with that is massively appreciated.