Raising money for theKenilworthCentre‘s Sports and Activites Fund.

Worldwide FC is a football team made up of asylum seekers and refugees from all over the world who used to live in temporary accommodation in Kenilworth. Things have evolved in the last two years though, read below for an update 👇 🌎 ⚽️

Summer 2024: The Fun Lives On!

Can you believe it's been two years since we kicked off this adventure? What started as a simple idea to bring some fun and fitness to asylum seekers and refugees in Kenilworth has grown into something amazing for everyone involved, including local residents.

To date over 200 people from Kenilworth and the surrounding areas have enjoyed playing against Worldwide FC. All local people from a variety of different groups and organisations.

Every single game has been a fantastic occasion regardless of the score, and all who have taken part have enjoyed positive interactions with WWFC and have been made to feel very welcome. So much so that some have forged lasting friendships outside of these fixtures and still regularly see each other through other football opportunities.

At the turn of the year all locally placed asylum seekers and refugees moved away from Kenilworth and were dispersed across the midlands into alternative accommodation.

At the time I assumed that this would be the end of Worldwide FC. However, the team pleaded with me for it to continue.

Players now travel to Kenilworth, via public transport, to take part in matches. Some travelling from as far as Walsall, Derby, Birmingham, Coventry and Tamworth. It is not merely about people stuck in a hotel having the opportunity to take part in exercise. The team’s regular gatherings and matches against familiar opponents have become really important. Despite our friends relocating, their team spirit remained with people now travelling from far and wide just to join in the fun: a reminder that distance is no match for the friendships that have been built.

It's not just about football anymore. For WWFC It's about keeping those connections alive, and offering a lifeline of socialising and support in a situation that can feel isolating at times. For those that take part in matches it provides a reminder that regardless of background or situation we all have much more in common than we realise.

HERE IS HOW THINGS STARTED BACK IN JUNE 2022👇

We are raising money for theKenilworthCentre's Sports and Activities Fund.

There are 100+ asylum seekers living in temporary accommodation in Kenilworth. theKenilworthCentre, alongside Compassionate Kenilworth and Welcome Here, have been working hard to support them with essentials such as clothing and access to education. However, opportunities for sport and exercise for this group are extremely limited.

Given the positive impact that sport and activity has on mental health and wellbeing, and that football transcends language barriers, I am organising a series of football matches for them against some different groups of people from Kenilworth and the surrounding area. 

Known collectively as Worldwide FC, we arranged a couple of fixtures last year against a team of managers from Leek Wootton FC and a team of Dads from Priors Field Primary School. The matches went really well and both sides enjoyed socialising after the game which was a fantastic experience for all. 

With this in mind, We have now arranged a series of charity fixtures against different groups within the local community.

In addition to raising more awareness and much needed funds to continue to provide fitness and exercise opportunities for them, it is also a great opportunity to showcase the warm welcome that Kenilworth offers. 

It won't just be football that will be supported by donations from this event. All funds raised will go directly into providing meaningful activities surrounding sport and exercise in general.