Club Doncaster has been selected by Amnesty International for three years of funding to help grow the Football Welcomes message in Doncaster.
For people fleeing war and persecution, football can make a real difference when it comes to settling in to a new country. Club Doncaster Foundation have been working hard to provide football sessions for people seeking asylum as well as providing bikes. As part of a continuing boot drive over 200 boots have been donated to the team.
The Belles have thrown their weight behind the campaign and will be welcoming the football team to games throughout the season.
Supporters who would like to donate to the boot drive can do so by handing in old and used football boots and Astroturf trainers at the Club Doncaster Club Store.
Chief executive Russ Green said: “This funding just shows that the work Club Doncaster are doing is being recognised nationwide. I've only been here for a short time but I've been amazed at the operation - it's at least Championship level, could be Premier League when you look at the initiatives that are run.
“The fact that people have been donating boots is amazing. It might seem like a small donation to the individual but it can be massive in the lives of people seeking asylum. It reiterates the value Club Doncaster puts on its community whether that be people seeking asylum or any other aspect of the community.
“Sometimes I think that people can underestimate the power of football. Football is an international language, played throughout the world, and that means it brings people together. If you look at football clubs, it doesn't matter what your background is. It's a classless game and it unites everybody.”
Belles’ player Sophie Scargill added: “Football is a global sport and because of that it has a unique opportunity to bring people together. Football Welcomes is all about supporting people who have fled persecution and war by using sport to help them feel at home in a new country and a new culture.
“Football sessions, football boots, and tickets to watch football matches can make a massive difference to people who aren’t allowed to work and have to live on just £30 a week. I’m really looking forward to welcoming DCC United to support the Belles as part of helping them settle in to life in Doncaster.”