Football Welcomes

Refugee group line up for a photo in a football goal

MFC Foundation have teamed up with the Methodist Asylum Project (MAP) and the North Riding FA to deliver a three-year pilot project funded through Amnesty International aiming to create more welcoming communities for  refugees and those seeking asylum in the local area.

The Football Welcomes initiative will see the Foundation offer football and educational provision for those who have sought asylum in Middlesbrough as a result of fleeing war, conflict and the risk of persecution in their home countries.

The participants are from all over the world: Iran, Eritrea, Afghanistan, Syria, Palestine and many more.  At Football Welcomes, they will get the chance to work together as a team, to develop skills, and remember the fun and sense of belonging which team membership gives.

They will also get a real sense that Middlesbrough, through the football club Foundation, is extending welcome and friendship, which is a priceless feeling for anyone.

The weekly sessions held at the Herlingshaw Centre and other facilities across the Middlesbrough area see male and female participants take part in ESOL provision, football and also receive volunteering opportunities at the Foundation and the football club.

In creating more welcoming communities, the Foundation is looking to create alliances with supporters groups, encouraging regular attendance at sessions and friendly matches throughout the year.

Contact enquiries@mfcfoundation.co.uk for more details, or ring 01642 767674

St. Edward’s Local Winners In Utilita Kids Cup 2025

MFC Foundation were proud to crown St. Edward’s Primary School as local round winners of the EFL Utilia Kids Cup.

On a gusty afternoon at the Herlingshaw Centre, 17 schools across the wider Tees Valley were invited to face off for the honour of representing Middlesbrough in the area round.

Group winners St. Edward’s, Galley Hill, Whinney Banks and Ingleby Hill formed the semi-final line-up with penalties needed to settle the Pitch 1 contest between St. Edward’s and Galley Hill.

A 3-2 shootout victory, following a one-all affair, saw St. Edward’s pass through to the final and they were joined by Ingleby Hill, who ran out 2-0 winners on Pitch 2.

With the wind picking up further, a cagey final was decided by a moment of quality as a St. Edward’s attacker nutmegged the advancing keeper to coolly slot home.

Braving the weather, MFC mascot Roary the Lion was on hand for the trophy presentation with St. Edward’s celebrating their passage to the area round.

View our gallery of the event below…