Kitunlocker: Nations United FC

Football is the world’s number one sport and is played in every corner of the planet. And at it’s best it is much more than just a sport. It can be a tool for bringing people together in solidarity, in celebration and to break down barriers.

With that in mind, the next team we’re featuring for Kitunlocker, perfectly encapsulates what we think football should be about.

Introducing, Nations United FC, from Chichester and beyond. To get to know them a little better, we sent them a few questions. So we’ll let their coaches Mat and Mike tell you what they’re all about…

Who are Nations United FC?

Nations United is a football team established to provide refugees and asylum seekers from Chichester, Barnham, and Bognor Regis the opportunity to learn and play football.

We’re part of Sanctuary in Chichester, a charitable organization that ensures our community is a welcoming place for all. Our team brings together players from diverse backgrounds, and we use football as a platform to build connections, foster community, and offer our players a sense of belonging. We offer training, participate in friendly matches, and have begun entering competitive tournaments, with aspirations to join a league in the coming year.

What’s the story behind the players at Nations United?

Our players come from all over the world, with many arriving in the UK as refugees or asylum seekers. They come from countries like Syria, Sudan, Eritrea, and Afghanistan, to name a few.

Each player has a unique story, many involving incredible challenges and adversity. Football provides them with an outlet, a sense of purpose, and a community where they can connect with others who understand their journey.

The team is more than just a football squad; it’s a support system that helps players regain their confidence and build new lives here in the UK.

What motivates you as manager of the team?

As a coach, what motivates me the most is seeing the joy and pride on our players’ faces when they take to the pitch. Many of these guys have been through unimaginable hardship, and football gives them something positive to focus on.

It’s incredibly rewarding to see how their confidence builds over time, not just in football, but in their day-to-day lives. The sense of community and connection that football brings is what drives me to keep pushing forward. It’s more than just sport—it’s about creating a home for these young men through football.

How has Kitunlocker helped the club?

Our partnership with KitUnlocker has been absolutely vital. Without their support, we wouldn’t be able to host regular training sessions, let alone participate in matches and tournaments.

KitUnlocker has provided us with everything we need, from training kits and match day gear to equipment like balls, cones, and bibs. Most importantly, they supplied astro shoes, which have allowed our players to train properly. The players take great pride in putting on their fully customized Nike kit.

For many of them, it’s the first time they’ve been able to wear a proper football kit, and it makes a world of difference on and off the pitch. It has transformed our ability to bring the community together through football, and we are incredibly grateful.

How important is it to have equipment and kit that represents the club correctly?

It’s incredibly important. The kit and equipment are not just functional—they help represent the identity of the team. We worked incredibly closely with the kit designers, leveraging the latest technology to create something completely unique and special to Nations United.

The design represents the journey many of our players have gone through just to arrive at this place in time. For our players, putting on a customized kit that looks and feels professional boosts their confidence and sense of belonging. It shows that they are part of something bigger, a team that values and supports them.

Proper kit and equipment also give us credibility when we compete in tournaments and friendlies. It reflects the pride we have in our team and the community we represent.