LCFC Teams Up With Amnesty International For Football Welcomes Project
- Leicester City in the Community and Amnesty International UK launch the Football Welcomes community project in the city
- The three-year project aspires to create more welcoming communities for refugees and people seeking asylum across the UK
- Participants can also make use of English classes, coaching courses, referee training and playing for local clubs
Football Welcomes is a nationwide programme, supported by the People’s Postcode Lottery, designed to work with local organisations, including refugee groups, local charities, amateur football teams, fans’ groups and schools to bring people together in their communities.
Alongside a focus on improving physical activity in the region, the three-year scheme will also include the opportunity for participants to take English classes, undertake referee or coaching training and to join local grassroots football clubs.
The Club teamed up with Football Welcomes in Leicester on Monday during a relaxed five-a-side workshop based in the heart of the city.
Following the project’s launch, Naomi Westland, Amnesty International UK’s Football Welcomes Manager, said: “We’re delighted to launch this exciting new programme with Leicester City.
“We wanted to create a year-round initiative for football clubs to help create more welcoming communities for refugees. The Club is obviously at the heart of the community and has a unique ability to bring people together through a love of the beautiful game.
“Even if you don’t speak the same language, playing football together can give you a sense of belonging, on and off the pitch, and it can really help people who have fled conflict and persecution to settle into a new country and culture.
“The community project is a game-changer. There is a real need right now for people to come together and focus on the things we have in common.
“We’re looking forward to working with the Club, LCiTC and fans over the next three years to ensure that refugees and people seeking asylum feel welcome in Leicester.”
For more information about Football Welcomes, contact Insight, Impact and External Funding Manager, Marie Widerman, on marie.widerman@lcfc.co.uk.