Activities like sport can help refugees to settle in to their new home, have something to do and meet people. Sport helps people stay in good health, and that helps them to feel better about themselves.

Footballing clubs in the UK can help refugees become part of their local communities. For example, the City of Liverpool FC run a programme called Football for Everyone. They have helped over 300 refugees and asylum seekers. They give them equipment, coaching and kit. This helps refugees and asylum seekers feel less lonely. They can meet and play with local people. You don’t need to speak English in order to kick a ball about with someone. 36

Everton in the Community also works with refugees. When former Everton manager Roberto Martinez came down to play football with the refugees, he said: “What it shows you is how powerful football can be when used in the right way.” Smiling at someone else is easy, he explained. And just a smile can make a big difference to someone who is lonely and afraid.

Amnesty International, a group which tries to help refugees around the world, also believes that football is a great way to help people come together. They organised a weekend they called “Football Welcomes”. It was a celebration of all that refugees in Britain have given to professional football since the Second World War. More than half of the clubs in the Premier League took part. Some put on special matches or gave away tickets, others set up tours of their stadiums or arranged visits from star players. This was their way of saying loud and clear that refugees are welcome in the UK.

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Chapter 4

Missing

Sam was the second player to arrive for the next game, against Yew Tree Juniors. Kai had got there first.

“You look happy,” Kai said.

Sam nodded.

“It’s ages since we played as well as we did last Sunday,” he said. “We could have won that match.” He laughed. “We’re not used to winning.” 38

Kai looked awkward. “I know what you’re thinking,” he said. “Jordan’s the one to blame for us only getting a draw.”

“Look,” Sam said, “I know he’s your mate, but he’s got to give Hasan and Faisal a chance. They’re the best players we’ve got.”

Kai looked around to make sure nobody else was there. He didn’t want anyone to hear what he had to say. “I tried to say something to Jordan,” he whispered, “but he won’t listen.”

Some of the other boys were making their way across the grass, so Kai didn’t say anything else. Hasan was one of the last to arrive.

“Is Faisal here?” he asked.

“No,” Sam said. “Why?”

“He was going to meet me at the gates, but he wasn’t there. I don’t get it.” 39

“Are you worried?” Sam asked.

“A bit,” Hasan said. “He has never been late before. He loves football.”