Football tournament unites asylum-seekers and refugees

The largest sporting gathering of refugees and asylum seekers in Europe was taking place today.

Teams from across Britain are taking part in The Unity Cup, a national football tournament, in Manchester.

The two-day event at the Armitage Centre features 20 teams of refugees and asylum seekers based in Birmingham, Cardiff, Dover, Exeter, Glasgow, Huddersfield, Hull, Leeds, Leicester, London, Newcastle, Norwich, Sheffield, Southampton, Sunderland and the host city Manchester.

As part of the activities, participants will be given advice on asylum rights and how to participate in mainstream footballing activities, including developing links with their local professional clubs and County Fas.

Michel Boumsong, a member of the winning team in 2003, Le Camer from Newcastle, said: “These are difficult times for those of us labelled as asylum seekers and refugees. It is important we stand strong against the negative images of us, and the treatment we are subjected to by many. We all face problems each day, with jobs, money and other worries. Football is one of the things that brings us together and allows us to be one.”

The event is organised by football’s anti-racism campaign Kick It Out.