Sian and Dave’s Story
BUILDING STRONGER COMMUNITIES
Football clubs are at the heart of communities, serving as vital hubs where the benefit extends beyond the pitch. Cardiff City FC Community Foundation’s programmes use the unique appeal of Cardiff City FC, bringing people together through a shared passion for football and the club, where factors such as age, disability, faith, and ethnicity aren’t barriers to participation.
In partnership with Cardiff Council’s Refugee Resettlement Department, the Foundation supported families who were residing across Cardiff, with the ‘Football for All’ project, generously funded by The National Lottery.
Quick to adapt and react to the changing circumstances of refugee and asylum seekers in the city, they created a programme of support including workshops, half term football camps and tournaments that would help increase their physical and mental wellbeing and offer a pathway into other community activities, helping to create a cohesive community feeling.
Community Foundation coaches delivered football coaching sessions designed not only to get participants active but to improve English language skills and equip them with the tools to be able to continue with football sessions after their resettlement period and integrate within local communities.
Wali Mohamed, Refugee Resettlement Project Manager, Cardiff Council:
In the face of adversity, the beautiful game unites us all. Cardiff City FC Community Foundation's provision of football sessions for Afghan refugee children and adults exemplifies the power of sport to heal, inspire, and bridge divides. Through this initiative, they have not only taught football skills but also provided hope and a sense of belonging, making a lasting positive impact on the lives of those seeking refuge and a brighter future. The initiative serves as a reminder that, through empathy, understanding, and shared passion, we can come together to build a brighter future for everyone, regardless of their background or circumstances.”
Zac Lyndon-Jones, Head of Community Development, Cardiff City FC Community Foundation:
“We are on a mission to connect and empower individuals of all ages and backgrounds, promoting a sense of belonging, leadership, and unity through the beautiful game, and building a stronger, more united community across Cardiff."
Cardiff City Football Club is supporting the EFL's Together Against Racism campaign.
At Cardiff City FC Community Foundation, we believe that Football is a game for everyone, everywhere. Whether you’re a player, manager, watching in the stands or at home – your voice matters. Our voices are a powerful tool for change - when we speak up, come together and use our voices we can drive change. The EFL stands side by side with Clubs, players, managers and supporters in a zero-tolerance approach to tackling racism in our game. If you witness racist or discriminatory abuse, you can report it directly to your Club through Kick It Out, the Club’s reporting mechanisms, or by alerting a steward.
LEARN MORE
football for all
At Cardiff City Community Foundation, we pride ourselves on being a unifying force, leveraging the power of sport to bring diverse communities together and create an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and welcomed. You can still register for free 'Football for All' sessions in Cardiff for refugees and asylum seekers aged 18 and over.
