SURREY FA UNITE LOCAL COMMUNITIES AND ASYLUM SEEKERS THROUGH FOOTBALL

Speaking on the day, Surrey FA Chief Executive Officer, Sally Lockyer, said:"We have seen a growing population of refugees within the South East, and we want to create opportunities for them to play football, boost their mental health, and connect with the local community. Following a successful first season, we're delighted that with the sponsorship support of SBHL, we can continue to create opportunities for our refugee community to participate in sporting activities. Not only does it help them to build positive relationships within their local community, but it also provides structure, support and social opportunities, which are hugely important for people who have been displaced, often in very traumatic circumstances."

Speaking on the day, Surrey FA Chief Executive Officer, Sally Lockyer, said:
"We have seen a growing population of refugees within the South East, and we want to create opportunities for them to play football, boost their mental health, and connect with the local community. Following a successful first season, we're delighted that with the sponsorship support of SBHL, we can continue to create opportunities for our refugee community to participate in sporting activities. Not only does it help them to build positive relationships within their local community, but it also provides structure, support and social opportunities, which are hugely important for people who have been displaced, often in very traumatic circumstances."

Owais Khan, Head of Welfare Services at SBHL, was also in attendance and added:
"SBHL is delighted to be supporting this incredible project. All our people at SBHL have a passion for providing the best service possible and going beyond where we can. I would like to thank the Surrey FA for all they have done in delivering this ambitious project, and we look forward to seeing the results of these efforts in 2024 and beyond." 

The project, which was initially developed through FA and Sport England funding has continued to be recognised on a national level. Diversity and Inclusion Manager at The FA, and former professional player for West Ham United FC, Anwar Uddin MBE was present and commented:
"It is wonderful to witness the sustained success of the project, enabling it to offer football opportunities to the Refugee Community for a second consecutive season. These sessions play a crucial role in fostering integration between the participants and the wider community, whilst providing activities that positively impact their mental and physical wellbeing."

If you work with refugees and would like to find out more about Unite Through Football or are looking to get involved in grassroots football in Surrey, please get in touch with Surrey FA directly through the contact information below.

Surrey Football Association

Notes to Editors:
Surrey FA is a registered charity with the aim of developing, enabling and governing all aspects of grassroots football across Surrey. Located at Meadowbank Football Ground, Dorking, and covering an area of 15 boroughs and over 1 million people. We support more than 60,000 players, 4,000 teams, 1,000 referees and 3,000 coaches alongside thousands of volunteer administrators in our clubs and leagues.

Surrey FA's social and economic impact equals £410m per annum. The organisation is one of 47 local County Football Association's affiliated to The FA. 

Our dedicated team of staff and volunteers are fully committed to providing equal opportunities for everyone to participate, work and enjoy the game.

www.surreyfa.com

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