Derry six a side brings refugees and community groups together

A Derry event brought together disadvantaged groups including the city’s homeless and asylum seeker population with a shared goal: beat each other at football.

Street Soccer NI and People 1st hosted the event as part of a Support & Integration Programme for Asylum Seekers and Refugees.

Over 70 players were present including asylum seekers, refugees, homeless people and people from other disadvantaged backgrounds.

People from Derry were joined by players from Iran, Somalia, Eritrea, Syria, Ukraine and even Belfast.

Teams were present from: DCFNI Jobs and Benefits Offices, The Housing Executive, North West Islamic Association, FAST Technologies, Street Soccer NI Belfast, Coleraine & Derry. Cllr Shaun Harkin also got stuck in for one of the teams.

In the end, Street Soccer Derry won, beating Street Soccer Belfast in the final 1-0. Trophies were awarded by Derry City FC legend Peter “Pizza” Hutton.

IN PICTURES: Derry six a side brings refugees and community groups together

Street Soccer NI and People 1st hosted the event as part of a Support & Integration Programme for Asylum Seekers and Refugees

CEO and Co-founder of Street Soccer NI Justin McMinn said football is a great way for people to connect even if there’s a language barrier.

“Street Soccer is the perfect tool for bringing people together, from our street soccer projects, refugees, homeless people, disadvantaged groups and there's a couple of organisations as well,” he said.

“They all mightn’t speak the same language but they all know the beautiful game and so they all know the football language.

“And yeah, it just works. If you come to one of our sessions, you'll see how many countries are represented but yet they all have that common thing in football, the shared goal.

The Mayor of Derry, Councillor Patricia Logue with participants at the 6 A Side Football tournament promoting integration and support for asylum seekers and refugees at Ulster University Shared Village, Derry. The event was co-ordinated by People 1st, Street Soccer NI and Derry City and Strabane District Council. (Photo: Lorcan Doherty)

“It just brings people together and people are getting access and support with housing, employment, volunteering, you name it. It's constantly growing.”

Street Soccer NI runs weekly sessions in Derry including women’s football and learning disability football. It is run for disadvantaged groups including homeless people, people with addictions, ex prisoners, refugees, asylum seekers and people in long term unemployment.

The organisation also offers support with housing, employment, education, addictions, mental health issues and more.

Mayor of Derry and Strabane Patricia Logue, who received a great cheer as she approached the pitch, said she was delighted to attend the event.

“It’s a great initiative run by our [Council’s] community relations team with People 1st,” she said.

“There’s a whole lot of different aspects to the whole integration program but sure, isn’t football just a brilliant way of getting people together and getting them to mix!

“I’m glad to see such a brilliant turnout with football teams from various organisations. I know the Housing Executive has sent a team and the Department of Health and Social Services too.”

People 1st will host more integration events including a Ladies Multicultural Talk and Walk event in partnership with Women's Centre Derry and Good Vibe Clan. Walks will start at Guildhall Square at 1.45pm on 13 and 27 February, 12 and 26 March.

More events can be found on Derry and Strabane Council's website.