On Thursday, June 19^th we celebrated Refugee week in style with a Football tournament at the GOL Centre in Lliswerry Newport. The event was requested, and led by, a regular group of approximately 40-50 members who attend a Football session for asylum seeker and refugee young people at Newport International Sports Village.  Members asked for an opportunity to take part in a competitive experience and be in with the chance of winning a trophy and medals.  The Football Association of Wales have kindly offered to provide tickets for an international game to provide an unforgettable experience.  

Eight teams entered the competition with winners in our Champions League final and winners in the Europa League final (see pics). 40 players took part with approximately 20 spectators.

The community Football session takes place every week through a partnership approach between Newport Live Positive Futures, The GAP Wales and Newport City Council Youth and Play Service. All partners provide consistent workers to facilitate the session and to support young people attending. Within the session, trusted relationships are built with young people and adults from a variety of countries, all coming together to develop trust and respect for one another through the power of sport. The Football Association of Wales (FAW) have recently attended the session, providing insight into the support that can be offered and guidance into participating in grassroot Football.

 

The session is way more than turning up and playing Football. It gives young people a free, safe place to go to be physically active, make new friends, meet trusted adults, and have a positive impact on members mental health; many of whom have experienced significant trauma. 

Lucy Donovan Newport Live Positive Futures Development Manager said:

“This event gives our regular members a chance to play competitively, succeed, and win a sought-after award.  For us, the engagement with the group is vital in supporting them to access positive experiences through sport and youth engagement. Attending a safe, accessible environment weekly enables young people to access support networks through a relationship with trusted adults. As the event coincides with Refugee week, we wanted to use this opportunity to celebrate our diverse communities in Newport and bring some excitement to the lives of young people. We’d also like to thank everyone involved in the tournament as well as in our day to day work including our partners and all our supporters”

Byron James Operations Director at The Gap Wales said:

“We’re incredibly grateful to Newport Live and Newport Youth and Play for their support in making this football tournament possible. Their backing has allowed us to deliver a high-quality event for a group of boys who truly deserve a special experience and the chance to showcase their footballing talents. Football is so much more than a game—it brings people together, builds friendships, teaches discipline and teamwork, and has a huge positive impact on physical and mental well-being. It’s fantastic to be part of something that celebrates all of that, while supporting asylum seekers and refugees in our community.”

Louise Handy Newport City Council Youth and Play Service Deputy Manager said:

Newport Youth and Play Service have committed to supporting the delivery of activities for asylum seeking and refugee young people who engage with The Gap through both the alignment of staffing and funding. As part of our collaboration with the football partnership we have allocated resources to ensures these sessions are able to be a consistent presence for these young people.

For more information, please contact: Lucy Donovan at Newport Live on positive.futures@newportlive.co.uk