Dreaming Of Football
KB, England
The British Red Cross, as well as being part of the world’s largest humanitarian network, is also the biggest independent provider of support to refugees and people seeking asylum in the UK. The organisation has been supporting refugees since before the First World War and today their work ranges from providing food, clothing and learning opportunities to reuniting families who have been separated as a result of conflict, disaster or persecution.
Surviving to Thriving is a project which supports unaccompanied asylum seekers and refugees aged 11-25. The project provides these young people with life and leadership skills, advice, and mental health support so that they can rebuild their lives and thrive in the UK. This included an Easter football tournament, bringing together children and young people accessing young refugee projects in London and Birmingham. British Red Cross refugee services often organise one-off or regular football activities in partnership with local coaches and clubs.
Can you tell us your personal story?
I am from Guinea. I arrived in the UK in 2016 and I was granted refugee status last year. I am currently studying Level 2 plastering in college. Football is my favourite thing. When I was born, I loved football. When I was small, a child, people were telling me to play with the adults. I was just as good as them, but they were so big I was scared they would break my bones!
Guinea has good people, and good players, but not much football training. I looked at Messi, and I wanted to play like him. Watching football, it makes me very angry and excited. But I love it, nothing can compare.
What did you try to show with the photos? Was there any wider meaning with the photos?
I showed my friends from Youth Club where I live. The other ones were taken in London when we went with the Red Cross to go and play football. Some people play together, while some people play alone. They were all enjoying football.
What role does football play in your life at the moment?
I know I play football very well. Football is my dream. I don’t like studying but I want to play football! My mum used to laugh at me and not like it when I played football in Guinea - because my clothes would be dirty! I would play football all day and I would be scared to show my mom my dirty clothes. There is no opportunity to play professionally in my home of Guinea. Football is my favourite thing - when I think about football, they are my favourite dreams.
When I was thinking about my asylum situation and it made me sad, football made me happy. I love going on trips to play for other teams (like when we went on two trips with the Red Cross). I want to make a Red Cross football team. Can we do that please?
I still play football in the park with my friends, but I do not think I am good enough for professional football anymore. Everything I have been through has really affected my fitness levels and it is too late to be professional.
I also play with British people in the park. I like playing with British people and like being part of their community. Yesterday I met two British guys in the park, and we spoke.
What is your favourite photo?
It is hard to choose! I like the one with my friend and the football going into the goal because it looks like a penalty. It looks like he won’t catch the ball. There are lots of my friends in the photos and it is nice to see them playing together.
What ambitions do you have for the future?
I want to do lots of things! I’d like to be an engineer, or even better, to be a general commander in the British Army! Refugees can’t be in the Army, but I hope that one day it will be possible. I would be proud to be in the British Army and protect the country that has protected me. I want to help fight problems in other countries.
If I can’t do that, I want to be a businessman, so I have a nice car, nice clothes and work for a big company.
