Refugee Week is the world’s largest arts and culture festival celebrating the contributions, creativity, and resilience of refugees and people seeking sanctuary.
Founded in the UK in 1998, Refugee Week takes place every year around World Refugee Day and has since grown into a global movement.
Clarets Welcome is a free, inclusive football session designed for males aged 16 and over who are new to the Burnley and East Lancashire area.
Moving to a new place can be daunting—especially when you don’t know anyone. Clarets Welcome offers a relaxed, friendly environment where participants can meet new people, build friendships, and feel part of the local community.
Through football, individuals can boost their physical health, develop teamwork skills, and experience the sense of belonging that comes from being part of a group.
This week, we spoke with some of our participants and asked them: “What does Clarets Welcome mean to you?”
Mokhtar told us “Clarets Welcome physically helps building strength, stamina and speed. improved brain concentration, and coordination and promotes teamwork, being social and boosting confidence. The first time I joined the Burnley team last Monday. It was a very fun day. I was very happy and I thank this organisation.”
Nazer told us “I would be lost without Clarets Welcome session because it bring me so much joy, inspires me and empowers me to achieve my goals in life. Football bring all cultures, faiths and communities together it gives me a sense of belonging and creates my identity. The session allows me to be free!”
Guy told us “The football session we do every Monday allows me to blossom, meet new people, to exchange and discuss subjects and to discover new cultures.”
Nasreldin told us “Clarets Welcome sessions are a great opportunity to meet up with other people who share similar passionate, learn language and communication skills”
Robel told us “It means being part of a Clarets community, staying active, and helps me feel more confident and connected.”
Hussein told us “Football inspires me to follow my dreams it’s creates a safe community. Clarets welcome session is a place that I can call home as we share our experiences and creates happy memories.”
Aso told us: “Playing football is my childhood passion. When I play football, I feel happy.”
Finally Mohammad told us “Clarets Welcome sessions create new spaces to make friends, learn new skills, and enjoy playing football with people who share the same passion and identity. The Monday football session is very special to me, we enjoy playing together, and I feel a lot of positive energy. I’m also grateful to the staff for their support.”
Clarets Welcome runs every Monday from 4:00PM to 6:00PM at The Leisure Box in Brierfield. If you are new to the Burnley and East Lancashire area, aged 16 or over, and would like to attend Clarets Welcome, please contact f.imtiaz@burnleyfc.com.