Everybody is going World Cup crazy and we at Kick It Out are no different. We are preparing for Sunday’s Alternative World Cup. After enduring sweat-inducing training sessions, we feel geared up for the tournament which is a great chance for bringing together players of refugee and non refugee background and helping refugees overcoming social exclusion through football. Alongside the Refugee Council, Anti-Slavery-International, SMILE and several refugee youth teams, we will contest for the trophy. Yet to us, having an entertaining day and playing football with people who normally don’t have the opportunity to take part in the game, is more important than winning the competition.
In the past, we have worked extensively with refugee communities across the country and beyond. We know about the problems and difficulties they face. Having to flee from their home countries where war and humanitarian crises have destroyed their livelihood, they often face prejudice and social disadvantage in the UK. Misinformation or misinterpretation is often to blame. In particular, teenage refugees often do not feel included in our society. Events such as this tournament help to get in touch with refugees and break down fears of contact.
So as you enjoy the next few weeks of world class football, remember the power of the game beyond the stadia of South Africa. We hope to see you all on Sunday.
For details of the Alternative World Cup please see http://www.refugeecouncil.org.uk/eventsandtraining/feature-content-pages/worldcup
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