A refugee football tournament with one simple rule takes place on 12 November: every player's status is left at the door.
Saracens Foundation, supported by Islamic Relief UK, is hosting the tournament in celebration of Sporting Roots, its programme supporting the physical, social and mental wellbeing of refugees and asylum seekers in north London.
Eleven teams from seven community organisations will compete, alongside Sporting Roots FC, a side made up of sanctuary seekers the Foundation works with every week. Players come from numerous countries but connect through football, with integration at the heart of the day's design.
"We see first-hand how sport acts as a universal language, bringing people together from all backgrounds and cultures," said Gill Thayne, Senior Area Manager at Saracens Foundation.
Abdulla Almamun, UK Programmes Manager at Islamic Relief UK, said: "Sport can be such a unifying power, and we're delighted to support Saracens Foundation in their initiative."
Sporting Roots runs football sessions at StoneX Stadium, cricket with Middlesex Cricket in Finchley, dance and touch rugby, and coffee mornings at local hotels to help residents build a community. Saracens players Gareth Simpson and Andy Christie have spent the past year as the project's first player ambassadors.
Founded in 2000, Saracens Foundation uses sport, movement and mentorship to improve education, employability and health across north London.
It is a clear example of sport for good: a rugby club's foundation using football to help people seeking sanctuary find friendship, confidence and a place in their new community.
Source: London Post https://london-post.co.uk/saracens-foundation-and-islamic-relief-uk-team-up-on-refugee-football-tournament-for-mental-wellbeing/
Source: Saracens Foundation https://saracenssportfoundation.org/our-programmes/sporting-roots/