Teams from Merseyside recently headed to Burnley recently, forming part of Burnley Football Club in the Community’s ‘Clarets Welcome’ Football Tournament, which saw teams formed of refugee participants compete against each other.

In recent years, Liverpool County FA has been working closely with Amnesty International and Liverpool FC Foundation to utilise football to bring refugee communities together in their relatively new surroundings.

Taking place at The Leisure Box in Brierfield, the tournament was the first of its kind in Burnley and saw 80 players involved, including those representing the Liverpool FC Foundation and Everton in the Community. Also on hand to show his support for the event was Burnley striker Jay Rodriguez.

The indoor competition saw teams play 12-minute matches throughout the day, with the team representing Liverpool FC Foundation winning the competition, following a tense penalty shoot-out in the final.

Using the universal language of football to offer physical activity opportunities, Liverpool County FA’s work with the Liverpool FC Foundation and Amnesty International also provides the chance for refugees to develop new community connections for newly-settled families.

To find out more about Liverpool County FA’s football projects for refugees, please contact Stu Carrington, Football Development Officer at Liverpool County FA via email at stuart.carrington@liverpoolfa.com or by calling 0151 523 4488.

Images © Burnley Football Club