Members of our #ClubTogether inclusion programme visited Middlesbrough FC’s state-of-the-art Rockliffe Training Complex on Thursday, as we kick off another year of the initiative aimed at assisting refuges to integrate into the local community.
Ibrahim, Mutwakil, and Yonas from Syria, Sudan and Eritrea respectively were invited meet to some of stars of Middlesbrough’s first team to promote the programme as part of both the club and Foundation’s #RiversideBySide equality and diversity initiative.
The trio were also given a guided tour of the facilities, including the indoor 4G pitches, Academy Centre, gymnasium, first team dressing room and boot room. They were also given the opportunity to watch the players warm-up for pre-match training.
The programme, which started over a year ago, has seen over 40 young men from across the world who have been relocated to Middlesbrough take part in sessions to both improve English language skills and footballing skills on a weekly basis at the Herlingshaw Centre in South Bank.
Our participants come from right across the globe, with the programme giving them the chance to work together as a team, to develop skills, and remember the fun and sense of belonging which team membership gives.
They also get a real sense that Middlesbrough, through the Football Club Foundation, is extending welcome and friendship to them and their families.
MFC Foundation, Health co-ordinator Paul South said of the initiative “The #ClubTogether sessions help the participants to overcome their language differences and the sense of alienation felt through arriving in a new country and new town.
“It also really helps to give them a sense of belonging in the local community.”