news > news releases

Refugee footballers kick off Leicester’s international tournament

Refugee footballers from across the world, including former professionals, will take part in Leicester’s International Football Tournament on Saturday 21st June 2008.

Men and women who have fled persecution will play alongside British footballers, as part of the city’s Refugee Week celebrations.

Teams taking part in the six-a-side tournament will include reigning champions ‘Mandela FC’, Afro Innovation Group, International Afghan, Sudan and Assist United.

Dan Dube, the manager of Mandela FC, is a former semi-professional footballer and teacher from Zimbabawe. He now works as a social worker in Leicester.

He said: “I was a founder of Mandela FC in 2002 so that people could come together and integrate. Now we are very multi-cultural with members from many African countries and from Leicester.

“We really appreciate this tournament and everything the community has done for us, and we are determined to retain the trophy this year. Last year we won on penalties so we know it is going to be tough. We have been training on Saturdays and Sundays and took part in a tournament in London recently so we are fully prepared and can’t wait to get on the pitch.”

The tournament is organised by Refugee Action and funded by Leicester City Council Sports Services, Connexions, Alliance of Leicester, Phoenix Housing Association and Leicester Faith Groups.
Refugee Action’s Rayhana Brydson, who organised the tournament, said: “Football crosses language and cultural barriers and brings people together.

“Many asylum seekers and refugees who have fled persecution and conflict in their own countries can feel isolated and traumatised as they try to rebuild their lives in the UK. Playing football helps the players to escape their problems for a
few hours and to make new friends.”

Aidan Hallett, deputy area manager of Refugee Action Leicester, said: “This tournament help refugees and asylum seekers integrate with British people and feel a sense of belonging. Leicester’s International Football Tournament unites the players in their passion for sport.”

As well as the tournament there will be plenty of activities available for youngsters.

The International Football Tournament will take place at St Margaret’s Pasture’s Sports Centre, St Margaret’s Way, Leicester, LE1 3EA between 10am and 5pm.

For more information, or to request an interview with a player or organiser, please contact: Julia Ravenscroft, Press Officer, on 0161 233 1956/ 07771 748 159 or juliar@refugee-action.org.uk.

Notes to editors:

• National Refugee Week (June 16th -22nd) is a UK wide festival that celebrates the enormous contribution made by refugees to UK life. Every year hundreds of arts, cultural and educational events are organised across the UK.

• Refugee Action is an independent, national charity working to enable refugees to build new lives in the UK. We provide practical advice and assistance for newly arrived asylum seekers and long-term commitment to their settlement through community development work, and advised more than 40,000 asylum seekers and refugees last year. As one of the country’s leading agencies in the field, Refugee Action has 26 years’ experience in pioneering innovative work in partnership with refugees.