Our Kitunlocker campaign continued recently with the short trip to meet the amazing people at Football Unites, Racism Divides (FURD).
A reminder: Kitunlocker is our campaign to give a helping hand to clubs and organisations that do important work off the pitch, as well as on it. We provide them with much needed kit and make sure their causes are given the attention they deserve.
Introducing: FURD
Founded in 1995, Football Unites, Racism Divides (also known as FURD) is a social inclusion project and charity based in Sheffield that uses football to fight racism and promote diversity in the city.
We joined FURD at the U-Mix centre, a stone’s throw from Bramall Lane, for a weekly 4 hour football session that takes place every Wednesday. This session, among others at the centre, is designed to build cohesion between people from the vast range of communities, including a large number of refugees that have settled in the city.
“I call it a family gathering!” Isaiah, FURD volunteer.
For the duration of each session, the attendees (from approximately 18 nationalities) can take their minds away from the events that have led them to where they are. They can purely focus on the enjoyment of sport, as well as building relationships with people who may be from very different backgrounds but have endured similar journeys.
“FURD has the power to attract people that aren’t part of anything else” Mehrun Ahmed, FURD CEO
Through the universal language of football, FURD provides a sense of belonging to people who may otherwise feel unwelcome in a strange country. The organisation strongly believes in promoting the value of this all-too-often sidelined community.
Head Coach, Keith Ward told us how when he looks at the people attending his sessions, he doesn’t see refugees and asylum seekers. He sees “doctors, scientists and historians”. A powerful message that is a good example of exactly why we wanted to work with FURD for Kitunlocker.
For more on this campaign, check out the Kitunlocker homepage where you’ll find links to all of our collaborations so far.