Club Doncaster Foundation have been running football sessions for people seeking asylum since 2018.
Lirak Hasani – whose family came to the UK from Kosovo during the Kosovo War – knows better than most the value of projects like this one.
“My parents came to England seeking asylum in 1999, so I was born here, but they went through something similar to the people here. Projects like this are a massive help to families like mine,” he said.
“There will be people there speaking different languages and from different places, but out there football will bring everyone together. It’s great for people building relationships and making friends.
“It was really good seeing everyone having fun. It’s a very good project to help people get out of the house and give them something to do.”
The project is one of just five similar projects across the country backed by Amnesty International and Hasani is pleased that his club is doing something to support people seeking asylum.
“It makes me very proud,” he added.
“With my family going through something like this, you’d obviously want your club to help them in that situation. To see the club helping other people in need is really good.
“Football is something that allows people to connect regardless of their situation and it can make you forget about everything else going on. I imagine these sessions are amazing for people.”
If you would like to support the Foundation's Football Welcomes project, you can donate boots, shin pads or sports clothing at Foundation Fitness during their opening hours.
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