12 hours ago
Refugee football tournament held in Newport for Refugee Week
A refugee football tournament was held in Newport on Thursday, June 19, at the GOL Centre in Lliswerry.
The event was organised to mark Refugee Week and was led by a group of around 40 to 50 young asylum seekers and refugees who regularly attend football sessions at Newport International Sports Village.
Eight teams competed, with winners crowned in both Champions League and Europa League-style finals.
Lucy Donovan, Newport Live's 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."
The weekly community football sessions are run in partnership by Newport Live Positive Futures, The Gap Wales, and Newport City Council Youth and Play Service.
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."
The Football Association of Wales also supported the event by offering tickets to an international match.
