The English Football League, (EFL) through its charitable arm, EFL Trust, is helping to build connections through football via its inaugural Stronger Communities Cup, bringing young female refugees and asylum seekers together with girls from EFL communities.

Working with the UNHCR (The UN Refugee Agency) and UEFA, the Stronger Communities Cup has been designed to promote social integration among secondary school-aged girls and forcibly displaced young females.

EFL Clubs and Club Community Organisations support over 2,000 refugees and asylum seekers each week through a variety of tailored programmes that aim to promote social cohesion and provide access to local services such as health and wellbeing, education and employment and even housing.

Representing their local Club, participating teams are set to compete in a 5-a-side tournament at the Champions League Fan Park at Somerset House in London on Saturday 1 June, the same day as the UEFA Champions League Final.

Participating Clubs include Preston North End, Blackburn Rovers and Sutton United.

Debbie Cook, EFL’s Director of Community said: “Football is a universal language with the power to unite people from all backgrounds and that’s the ethos behind the Supporting Communities Cup – bringing like-minded young people together through a shared passion of football. We’re proud to be working on this initiative with UEFA and the UNHCR.”

Enas Mohamed, aged 11, is originally from Sudan and now attends Preston Muslim High School where Preston North End delivers refugee football sessions. Speaking about playing in the Stronger Communities Cup, Enas said: “I really like playing football with my friends, and I am delighted to be chosen for the Preston North End team, and playing in London.”

Mohammed Patel, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Coordinator at Preston North End Community and Education Trust, said: “We carry out regular fun and inclusive provision for refugees who are living within the Preston area, football is a great way to unite people from all walks of life.

“We’re very much looking forward to bringing Enas and Retaj together with girls from other schools in the area and to play football with other teams from around the country.”

Saad El Anazi’s daughter, Baneen, is one of the players representing Blackburn Rovers in the Cup.

Saad said: “My daughter is using football to make new friends and integrate with other young people in the area.”

Vicky Tennant, UNHCR’s Representative to the UK will be handing out the awards to the players on Saturday once the results are in. Ahead of the tournament, she said:

“I’m honoured that I will have the chance this Saturday to meet the players and coaches taking part in the Stronger Communities Cup at Somerset House. This event demonstrates the generosity of local football clubs and communities across the UK as they welcome refugee girls into their teams. The players can feel all the benefits of sports whilst having fun and making new friends.”

EFL to launch 'Stronger Communities Cup'

EFL to launch 'Stronger Communities Cup'