Kicking off Actonians LFC’s ‘Football Welcomes Month’ activity last night, over 50 asylum seekers and refugees in West London participated in a friendly five-aside tournament hosted by Actonians LFC.

Nothing could dampen the spirits of the players who competed in the typical British spring showers, as local politicians and members of the community cheered on from the side-lines in a show of solidarity- in all its forms.

The West London football club welcomed players from Iraq, Syria, El Salvador, Brazil and Afghanistan to name a few who took part in the Amnesty International led campaign.

Ahmed from Sudan, whose name has been changed, from Sudan who resides in West London, fled his home country troubled by conflict in 2019. After a lengthy journey he arrived in the UK 18 months ago, seeking protection and stability. He is yet to make any progress with the Home Office and says he has been left “waiting and waiting” for a response and feels that Sudanese people, in particular, have been “forgotten.”

Joining the ‘Football Welcomes’ tournament for a second year in a row, he said it was the highlight of his year. “I am delighted to be here today, I am so happy. I met new people again this year. I feel very welcome.”

Actonians LFC hosted Iftar dinner too as the event falls during the holy month of Ramadan when Muslims usually fast. Coaches and fans refereed the matches right up until the final whistle at 7:50PM just in time for sunset.

Breaking fast together, over 70 people, including supporters were fed a delicious meal of rice and vegetables donated by The Felix Project - a London based charity that redistributes surplus food destined for landfill to those in need. The meal was a hit all round, as Ahmed continued; " I loved the Iftar meal, I really appreciate it from the charity. It was really delicious, and it was very kind and made me feel good. I also like to break fast with other people."

The charity also submitted a team of players made up of its staff and regular volunteers. Damien Conrad, The Felix Project’s Community Relations Manager, who played on the night said, “The FP always has been about solidarity with those suffering, Like on a football pitch, when you have to double up on the wing…you’re looking after each other, and that’s what we do… rally round to look after each other.”

This season, the grassroots football club launched its ‘Actonians in the Community’ drive focussing on the ethos of charity, collaboration and connection. With the UK government pushing a divisive agenda targeting refugees in its latest immigration bill, the event could not come at a better time to take a stand.

Labour Councillor for North Acton Blarini Hashini from Kosovo, shared her empowering and relatable story with the players. “I feel so lucky to be here with you guys. I was a child refugee myself. 23 years ago, due to the war in Kosovo, my family came to the UK. So, I understand how many of you are feeling. There's a lot of uncertainty, but events like this show you that we care, and the UK cares.”

Labour Councillor Aysha Raza, member of local cabinet tackling inequality in Ealing added, “People from all over the world are here. It's really nice that the community has come together to welcome our refugees with open arms. People are smiling and enjoying themselves who ordinarily may have very difficult lives.”

Amnesty International's annual ‘Football Welcomes Refugees’ campaign is back for a sixth year with dozens of clubs taking part to celebrate the contribution of asylum seekers and players with a refugee background to the game and their new community.

Actonians LFC is one of the first grassroots clubs to participate and thanks to neighbouring International School of London, travel for players was funded on the day. It comes as a new study shows the UK has the most positive attitudes to immigration, ranking at the top of an international league as most accepting of new arrivals, which was definitely felt on the night.

Alex from Brazil has been in the UK for almost a year but has been feeling isolated due to language barriers which was exacerbated after he was separated from his wife, who was forced to return to Brazil. He recently found solitude in a guitar donated to him, but football is his passion.

Speaking in Portuguese in the pouring rain, he said; “Before today I didn’t know anyone. Today I came here alone. Now I made lots of new friends. Brazil is a hot country, the weather today is very cold! But it's no problem, football is my passion.”

He went on to say, “Today it’s an exercise of solidarity and humanity. I feel very welcome and embraced by you all, I am very happy to be here.”

Actonians LFC believes sport has the power to bring people together and has hosted “The Tea in Team'' kick about sessions throughout the year where the ladies team and local asylum seekers play football and drink tea together.

Actonians LFC is also hosting a football festival for young girl asylum seekers from Afghanistan on May 13th in Feltham.

A crowdfunding page has been set up to keep this activity for refugees and asylum seekers up;

https://gofund.me/2df26e8c

Article written by:
Shadia Edwards-Dashti
Actonians LFC Community Officer

Photos by Louis James Photography

See all the pictures from the event here.