Unaccompanied asylum-seeking children in Northumberland have been reaping the social, physical and mental health benefits of weekly football sessions which have been laid on by Northumberland County Council’s sports development team. 
 

The children are living unaccompanied in the county after being forced from their homes and family by war, famine and disease or persecution and social upheaval. They have a lived experience that is beyond anything that we could imagine. 
 

The weekly football sessions have broken down language barriers and helped to forge friendships which are critical to the wellbeing of these young people who can often feel very isolated. 
 

The children are generally boys aged over 14, from a long list of countries including Afghanistan and Syria. They have often endured hardship and long, dangerous journeys to arrive in the UK – unaccompanied and without money, a clear idea of if their families are alive, or whether they’ll be allowed to stay. On top of all this, they may have to apply for asylum, a long and complicated legal process, with little or no English language skills. 
 

The Northumberland Adolescent Service (NAS) take the lead and responsibility in housing and supporting these young people with many aspects of their lives. 
 

Daniel Thompson, an Adolescent Support Worker who attends the football sessions said: 

“These young people can feel very lonely and isolated - they have limited English and are in uncertain situations in a completely new area.  
 

“Playing football gives them an opportunity to meet others who are in similar situations, and it is also an opportunity to relax and have fun with staff from our service. The recent attendance speaks volumes about how much they get out of it. 
 

“We have seen excellent sportsmanship from all involved and the sessions have encouraged new relationships, with young people inviting each other to meet up outside of the sessions to play football at different venues. “ 
 

The weekly football sessions are inclusive of all ages and abilities and tailored to the needs of the children in attendance with plenty of encouragement and support. 
 

Northumberland County Councillor Jeff Watson, cabinet member for Promoting Healthy Lives said: 

“The football sessions have been a fantastic opportunity for the young people we work with to enjoy an organised and professionally led weekly sports activity. 
 

“The benefits to the young people have been very positive. Many of the attendees speak different languages and have limited English, however, once involved in a game the language barrier becomes insignificant and they are able to interact and enjoy the game together.” 
 

The sessions are being delivered through the Get Onside project, an exciting new activity programme from Sport England, funded by the National Lottery, and delivered by the Football Foundation, which is supporting residents to get more active. 

 

The Northumberland Adolescent Service has also set up a ‘kit room’ so that the Children’s NAS workers can apply for funding from Get Onside for specific items such as football boots and sports clothing which has also enabled them to attend other sports sessions in the community, increasing their independence and confidence.