Refugee children take part in Preston soccer schools

Some of the children taking part in the soccer schools

Young refugees from Afghanistan, Sudan and Syria have joined a soccer school in Preston.

Sir Tom Finney Soccer School has been running sessions for the children aged five to 12.

The sessions which take place each week are funded by Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw.

Lead coach Darryl McNicholl said: “We’ve brought more than 30 children from all walks of life together in a very safe and inclusive environment. They can be kids and enjoy themselves as well as breaking down barriers and prejudices at the same time.”

The Sports Arena in Cottam at the University of Central Lancashire has played host.

Mangoub, 13, is originally from Sudan and is attending the Summer Camp with his younger brother Farris.

He said: “I’m really enjoying taking part in so many activities and making new friends with lots of different people.”

Commissioner Grunshaw visited one of the sessions at UCLan to meet youngsters taking part.

He said: “It is a fantastic project that we’re very happy to support through my Community Action Fund. To see these children integrate and have fun is wonderful.

“It’s initiatives like this that bring communities together and tackle anti-social behaviour in a positive and engaging manner and is what my Community Action Fund is really all about, helping support projects across the county that help me deliver my priorities in my Police and Crime Plan.”

Peter Mason Chair of the Sir Tom Finney Preston Soccer Centre said: “The holiday camp is a great extension of the variety of opportunities the STFPSC provides, the camp allows children from all walks of life to participate together in a safe and enjoyable environment.

“The funding from the Police and Crime Commissionaire, Clive Grunshaw has allowed us the basis to put on the holiday club at an affordable cost or free to some and I thank him for that.

“The support of UCLAN as always is greatly appreciated in particular Bob Walley who has supported us in relation to the refugee children in relation to this project.

“The holiday camp is running until the 23rd of August and if anybody is interested in coming along please contact Kath Mason on 07730570688.”