Swansea City and Swansea City AFC Foundation show support for 'Football Welcomes'
Swansea City showed its support for Amnesty International UK’s ‘Football Welcomes’ month during the recent home fixture against Huddersfield Town, inviting community groups of refugees to the match.
‘Football Welcomes’ is a national campaign which brings clubs and leagues from across the country together in a united message that refugees are welcome.
The project also celebrates the positive impact refugees and people seeking asylum have had on the game.
During the Championship fixture at the Swansea.com Stadium earlier this month, Swansea City and Huddersfield Town players showed their support by wearing shirts supporting the campaign, while the club joined with Westacres to invite the Ukrainian refugee community and support group Sunflowers to the match as guests.
A large number of those who attended were children forced to flee their homes with their mothers due to war.
“[We would like to] express our deepest gratitude for inviting our refugees to attend the Huddersfield match,” said Dr Dmitri Finkelshtein, chair of Sunflowers Wales.
“The experience was truly remarkable, and we are very grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the vibrant culture of the UK and to enjoy the excitement of a professional football match.
“For some of the young Ukrainians, attending the match was the fulfilment of a dream, and we appreciate the chance they have been given to experience something so memorable.
"The occasion brought together people from different backgrounds and cultures, and we are grateful for the hospitality and warmth that was extended to us. This kind gesture has left a lasting impact on our community.”
The Foundation - who work with young people seeking asylum within their Premier League Kicks projects – also invited a number of the young people who have been forced to leave their homes and families for fear of war or persecution to be flag bearers at the game.
Football has a unique role to play when it comes to helping people settle in to a new country and culture, as it can provide a common interest which can transcend differences and language barriers.
Kicks – a free football project run by the Foundation – has proven to be a valuable tool to help young people who are living alone in a new country find a way to make friends and feel included.
For many of the flag bearers at the match, being in the stadium fulfilled a dream of visiting a stadium and attending a live match.
“We are extremely grateful that the young people we have been supporting were given this wonderful opportunity by Swansea City,” said Councillor Sian Harris, Neath Port Talbot Council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Family Services.
“They are all very passionate about football and they all thoroughly enjoyed the experience at the recent match.
“We are always searching for foster carers who are willing to provide a home to children and young people in need, including those who have arrived seeking asylum.
“If you are interested in becoming a foster carer, I’d encourage you to visit our website to find out more.”