Home > Photo Essays > Photo Essays 2021 > Spirit of Unity: Football Helping Refugees Find Their Feet in England
Spirit of Unity: Football Helping Refugees Find Their Feet in England
Photographer: Neil Hall
For refugees and asylum seekers, starting a new life in the United Kingdom presents a host of tough challenges, from learning the language to finding common ground with the locals. But a grassroots soccer team in southern England has stepped in to help the newcomers to integrate and make friends in their new home.
"Borders divide us but there are no borders in football — we are the United Nations!", Tomson Chalke, founder and chairman of Sanctuary Strikers Football Club, tells epa-efe.
The club, founded in 2017 in Reading, was created to bring together refugees and non-refugees to play soccer in a spirit of unity, which he says is the essence of the world’s most popular sport. "Football is the beautiful game — it unites people and promotes community cohesion and integration," Chalke says.
Thanks to Sanctuary Strikers, members of minority communities have a place to come together, learn English, make friends and find out about the city. “If you have something that people love like football then people come together and start talking," Chalke, who is originally from Zimbabwe, explains. "When you start talking, you build relationships and we learn from each other's cultures."
Sanctuary Strikers plays at grass roots level in Division 3, Reading and District Sunday League, with players from backgrounds such as South Sudan, Zimbabwe and Eritrea. Asylum seekers and refugees are encouraged into the club, which is affiliated with the Reading Refugee Support Group.
Adam Hussai, who left Sudan in 2015, says: "Everything is so different to Sudan but this is a really friendly team and they made me feel so welcome. I come every week even if I sit on the bench or am the linesman. One day I hope to break into the first team."
Mohamed Adam, who is also from Sudan, came to England in 2008. He trains and occasionally plays with the club but was also able to use the team to hone his skills. Now he plays for a bigger club, AFC Aldermasten, in the Hellenic League Division One East. "The Strikers is fun and helped me find friends — you can lose 10-0 and still have a laugh."
For Chalke, helping players to integrate into a new country, join a community and move on to new teams and places is a key part of his club’s success. "Our job is done when we see players develop and play. Some have gone on to play at a semi-professional level. Who knows, perhaps one day they will end up in the Premier League."

Sanctuary Strikers Football Club founder Tomson Chalke poses for a portrait in Cintra Park in Reading, Britain, 14 October 2020 (issued 08 March 2021).
For refugees and asylum seekers, starting a new life in the United Kingdom presents a host of tough challenges, from learning the language to finding common ground with the locals. The grassroot soccer team Sanctuary Strikers Football Club in southern England has stepped in to help the newcomers to integrate and make friends in their new home. The club, founded by Chalke in 2017 in Reading, was created to bring together refugees and non-refugees to play soccer in a spirit of unity, which he says is the essence of the world's most popular sport. EPA-EFE/NEIL HALL

Sanctuary Strikers Football Club founder Tomson Chalke rects during a friendly match against Reading Reserves in Reading, Britain, 29 September 2020 (issued 08 March 2021).
For refugees and asylum seekers, starting a new life in the United Kingdom presents a host of tough challenges, from learning the language to finding common ground with the locals. The grassroot soccer team Sanctuary Strikers Football Club in southern England has stepped in to help the newcomers to integrate and make friends in their new home. The club, founded by Chalke in 2017 in Reading, was created to bring together refugees and non-refugees to play soccer in a spirit of unity, which he says is the essence of the world's most popular sport. EPA-EFE/NEIL HALL

Sanctuary Strikers Football Club founder Tomson Chalk (L) hugs player Adam Hussai during a friendly match against Reading Reserves in Reading, Britain, 29 September 2020 (issued 08 March 2021).
For refugees and asylum seekers, starting a new life in the United Kingdom presents a host of tough challenges, from learning the language to finding common ground with the locals. The grassroot soccer team Sanctuary Strikers Football Club in southern England has stepped in to help the newcomers to integrate and make friends in their new home. The club, founded by Chalke in 2017 in Reading, was created to bring together refugees and non-refugees to play soccer in a spirit of unity, which he says is the essence of the world's most popular sport. EPA-EFE/NEIL HALL

Sanctuary Strikers Football Club players rest during a friendly match against Reading Reserves, in Reading, Britain, 29 September 2020 (issued 08 March 2021).
For refugees and asylum seekers, starting a new life in the United Kingdom presents a host of tough challenges, from learning the language to finding common ground with the locals. The grassroot soccer team Sanctuary Strikers Football Club in southern England has stepped in to help the newcomers to integrate and make friends in their new home. The club, founded by Thomson Chalke from Zimbabwe in 2017 in Reading, was created to bring together refugees and non-refugees to play soccer in a spirit of unity, which he says is the essence of the world's most popular sport. EPA-EFE/NEIL HALL

Sanctuary Strikers Football Club players talk tactics during a friendly match against Reading Reserves in Reading, Britain, 29 September 2020 (issued 08 March 2021).
For refugees and asylum seekers, starting a new life in the United Kingdom presents a host of tough challenges, from learning the language to finding common ground with the locals. The grassroot soccer team Sanctuary Strikers Football Club in southern England has stepped in to help the newcomers to integrate and make friends in their new home. The club, founded by Thomson Chalke from Zimbabwe in 2017 in Reading, was created to bring together refugees and non-refugees to play soccer in a spirit of

Sanctuary Strikers Football Club players celebrate scoring a goal against Reading Reserves during a friendly match in Reading, Britain, 29 September 2020 (issued 08 March 2021).
For refugees and asylum seekers, starting a new life in the United Kingdom presents a host of tough challenges, from learning the language to finding common ground with the locals. The grassroot soccer team Sanctuary Strikers Football Club in southern England has stepped in to help the newcomers to integrate and make friends in their new home. The club, founded by Thomson Chalke from Zimbabwe in 2017 in Reading, was created to bring together refugees and non-refugees to play soccer in a spirit of unity, which he says is the essence of the world's most popular sport. EPA-EFE/NEIL HALL

Adam Hussai of the Sanctuary Strikers Football Club poses for a portrait in Reading, Britain, 11 October 2020 (issued 08 March 2021).
For refugees and asylum seekers, starting a new life in the United Kingdom presents a host of tough challenges, from learning the language to finding common ground with the locals. The grassroot soccer team Sanctuary Strikers Football Club in southern England has stepped in to help the newcomers to integrate and make friends in their new home. The club, founded by Thomson Chalke from Zimbabwe in 2017 in Reading, was created to bring together refugees and non-refugees to play soccer in a spirit of unity, which he says is the essence of the world's most popular sport.
Adam Hussai, who left Sudan in 2015, says: "Everything is so different to Sudan but this is a really friendly team and they made me feel so welcome. I come every week even if I sit on the bench or am the linesman. One day I hope to break into the first team." EPA-EFE/NEIL HALL

The Sanctuary Strikers Football Club keeper guards his goal as his team plays against Reading West in Reading, Britain, 11 October 2020 (issued 08 March 2021).
For refugees and asylum seekers, starting a new life in the United Kingdom presents a host of tough challenges, from learning the language to finding common ground with the locals. The grassroot soccer team Sanctuary Strikers Football Club in southern England has stepped in to help the newcomers to integrate and make friends in their new home. The club, founded by Thomson Chalke from Zimbabwe in 2017 in Reading, was created to bring together refugees and non-refugees to play soccer in a spirit of unity, which he says is the essence of the world's most popular sport. EPA-EFE/NEIL HALL

Sanctuary Strikers Football Club players warm up before they play against Reading West in Reading, Britain, 11 October 2020 (issued 08 March 2021).
For refugees and asylum seekers, starting a new life in the United Kingdom presents a host of tough challenges, from learning the language to finding common ground with the locals. The grassroot soccer team Sanctuary Strikers Football Club in southern England has stepped in to help the newcomers to integrate and make friends in their new home. The club, founded by Thomson Chalke from Zimbabwe in 2017 in Reading, was created to bring together refugees and non-refugees to play soccer in a spirit of unity, which he says is the essence of the world's most popular sport. EPA-EFE/NEIL HALL

Sanctuary Strikers Football Club warm up before they play against Reading West in Reading, Britain, 11 October 2020 (issued 08 March 2021).
For refugees and asylum seekers, starting a new life in the United Kingdom presents a host of tough challenges, from learning the language to finding common ground with the locals. The grassroot soccer team Sanctuary Strikers Football Club in southern England has stepped in to help the newcomers to integrate and make friends in their new home. The club, founded by Thomson Chalke from Zimbabwe in 2017 in Reading, was created to bring together refugees and non-refugees to play soccer in a spirit of unity, which he says is the essence of the world's most popular sport. EPA-EFE/NEIL HALL

Sanctuary Strikers Football Club players joke with each other as they play against Reading West in Reading, Britain, 11 October 2020 (issued 08 March 2021).
For refugees and asylum seekers, starting a new life in the United Kingdom presents a host of tough challenges, from learning the language to finding common ground with the locals. The grassroot soccer team Sanctuary Strikers Football Club in southern England has stepped in to help the newcomers to integrate and make friends in their new home. The club, founded by Thomson Chalke from Zimbabwe in 2017 in Reading, was created to bring together refugees and non-refugees to play soccer in a spirit of unity, which he says is the essence of the world's most popular sport. EPA-EFE/NEIL HALL

Sanctuary Strikers Football Club score as they play against Reading West, in Reading, Britain, 11 October 2020 (issued 08 March 2021).
For refugees and asylum seekers, starting a new life in the United Kingdom presents a host of tough challenges, from learning the language to finding common ground with the locals. The grassroot soccer team Sanctuary Strikers Football Club in southern England has stepped in to help the newcomers to integrate and make friends in their new home. The club, founded by Thomson Chalke from Zimbabwe in 2017 in Reading, was created to bring together refugees and non-refugees to play soccer in a spirit of unity, which he says is the essence of the world's most popular sport. EPA-EFE/NEIL HALL

Sanctuary Strikers Football Club players warm up before they play against Reading West, in Reading, Britain, 11 October 2020 (issued 08 March 2021).
For refugees and asylum seekers, starting a new life in the United Kingdom presents a host of tough challenges, from learning the language to finding common ground with the locals. The grassroot soccer team Sanctuary Strikers Football Club in southern England has stepped in to help the newcomers to integrate and make friends in their new home. The club, founded by Thomson Chalke from Zimbabwe in 2017 in Reading, was created to bring together refugees and non-refugees to play soccer in a spirit of unity, which he says is the essence of the world's most popular sport. EPA-EFE/NEIL HALL

Sanctuary Strikers Football Club players talk tactics during half time as they play against Reading West, in Reading, Britain, 11 October 2020 (issued 08 March 2021).
For refugees and asylum seekers, starting a new life in the United Kingdom presents a host of tough challenges, from learning the language to finding common ground with the locals. The grassroot soccer team Sanctuary Strikers Football Club in southern England has stepped in to help the newcomers to integrate and make friends in their new home. The club, founded by Thomson Chalke from Zimbabwe in 2017 in Reading, was created to bring together refugees and non-refugees to play soccer in a spirit of unity, which he says is the essence of the world's most popular sport. EPA-EFE/NEIL HALL

A man watches a Sunday League soccer match between Sanctuary Strikers FC and Reading West, in Reading, Britain, 11 October 2020 (issued 08 March 2021).
For refugees and asylum seekers, starting a new life in the United Kingdom presents a host of tough challenges, from learning the language to finding common ground with the locals. The grassroot soccer team Sanctuary Strikers Football Club in southern England has stepped in to help the newcomers to integrate and make friends in their new home. The club, founded by Thomson Chalke from Zimbabwe in 2017 in Reading, was created to bring together refugees and non-refugees to play soccer in a spirit of unity, which he says is the essence of the world's most popular sport. EPA-EFE/NEIL HALL

A Sanctuary Strikers Football Club badge is seen on a player's jersey in Reading, Britain, 11 October 2020 (issued 08 March 2021).
For refugees and asylum seekers, starting a new life in the United Kingdom presents a host of tough challenges, from learning the language to finding common ground with the locals. The grassroot soccer team Sanctuary Strikers Football Club in southern England has stepped in to help the newcomers to integrate and make friends in their new home. The club, founded by Thomson Chalke from Zimbabwe in 2017 in Reading, was created to bring together refugees and non-refugees to play soccer in a spirit of unity, which he says is the essence of the world's most popular sport. EPA-EFE/NEIL HALL

Sanctuary Strikers Football Club players take part in an evening training session in Cintra Park, in Reading, Britain, 14 October 2020 (issued 08 March 2021).
For refugees and asylum seekers, starting a new life in the United Kingdom presents a host of tough challenges, from learning the language to finding common ground with the locals. The grassroot soccer team Sanctuary Strikers Football Club in southern England has stepped in to help the newcomers to integrate and make friends in their new home. The club, founded by Thomson Chalke from Zimbabwe in 2017 in Reading, was created to bring together refugees and non-refugees to play soccer in a spirit of unity, which he says is the essence of the world's most popular sport. EPA-EFE/NEIL HALL

Sanctuary Strikers Football Club player Mohamed Adam poses for a portrait in Goring-On-Thames, Britain, 13 December 2020 (issued 08 March 2021).
For refugees and asylum seekers, starting a new life in the United Kingdom presents a host of tough challenges, from learning the language to finding common ground with the locals. The grassroot soccer team Sanctuary Strikers Football Club in southern England has stepped in to help the newcomers to integrate and make friends in their new home. The club, founded by Thomson Chalke from Zimbabwe in 2017 in Reading, was created to bring together refugees and non-refugees to play soccer in a spirit of unity, which he says is the essence of the world's most popular sport.
Mohamed Adam from Sudan, came to England in 2008. He trains and occasionally plays with the club but was also able to use the team to hone his skills. Now he plays for a bigger club, AFC Aldermasten, in the Hellenic League Division One East. "The Strikers is fun and helped me find friends — you can lose 10-0 and still have a laugh." EPA-EFE/NEIL HALL

A Sanctuary Strikers Football Club player dresses in a car park as his team plays against Goring United in Goring-On-Thames, Britain, 13 December 2020 (issued 08 March 2021).
For refugees and asylum seekers, starting a new life in the United Kingdom presents a host of tough challenges, from learning the language to finding common ground with the locals. The grassroot soccer team Sanctuary Strikers Football Club in southern England has stepped in to help the newcomers to integrate and make friends in their new home. The club, founded by Thomson Chalke from Zimbabwe in 2017 in Reading, was created to bring together refugees and non-refugees to play soccer in a spirit of unity, which he says is the essence of the world's most popular sport. EPA-EFE/NEIL HALL

epa09060954 (20/25) Sanctuary Strikers Football Club plays against Goring United in Goring-On-Thames, Britain, 13 December 2020 (issued 08 March 2021).
For refugees and asylum seekers, starting a new life in the United Kingdom presents a host of tough challenges, from learning the language to finding common ground with the locals. The grassroot soccer team Sanctuary Strikers Football Club in southern England has stepped in to help the newcomers to integrate and make friends in their new home. The club, founded by Thomson Chalke from Zimbabwe in 2017 in Reading, was created to bring together refugees and non-refugees to play soccer in a spirit of unity, which he says is the essence of the world's most popular sport. EPA-EFE/NEIL HALL

A Grassroots Football notice is pinned to a changing room door as Sanctuary Strikers Football Club plays against Goring United in Goring-On-Thames, Britain, 13 December 2020 (issued 08 March 2021).
For refugees and asylum seekers, starting a new life in the United Kingdom presents a host of tough challenges, from learning the language to finding common ground with the locals. The grassroot soccer team Sanctuary Strikers Football Club in southern England has stepped in to help the newcomers to integrate and make friends in their new home. The club, founded by Thomson Chalke from Zimbabwe in 2017 in Reading, was created to bring together refugees and non-refugees to play soccer in a spirit of unity, which he says is the essence of the world's most popular sport. EPA-EFE/NEIL HALL

Sanctuary Strikers Football Club player Mohamed Adam (L) throws in as his team mate Adam Hussai acts as a lines-man while the team plays against Goring United in Goring-On-Thames, Britain, 13 December 2020 (issued 08 March 2021).
For refugees and asylum seekers, starting a new life in the United Kingdom presents a host of tough challenges, from learning the language to finding common ground with the locals. The grassroot soccer team Sanctuary Strikers Football Club in southern England has stepped in to help the newcomers to integrate and make friends in their new home. The club, founded by Thomson Chalke from Zimbabwe in 2017 in Reading, was created to bring together refugees and non-refugees to play soccer in a spirit of unity, which he says is the essence of the world's most popular sport. EPA-EFE/NEIL HALL

Sanctuary Strikers Football Club plays against Goring United in Goring-On-Thames, Britain, 13 December 2020 (issued 08 March 2021).
For refugees and asylum seekers, starting a new life in the United Kingdom presents a host of tough challenges, from learning the language to finding common ground with the locals. The grassroot soccer team Sanctuary Strikers Football Club in southern England has stepped in to help the newcomers to integrate and make friends in their new home. The club, founded by Thomson Chalke from Zimbabwe in 2017 in Reading, was created to bring together refugees and non-refugees to play soccer in a spirit of unity, which he says is the essence of the world's most popular sport. EPA-EFE/NEIL HALL

Sanctuary Strikers Football Club player Adam Hussai acts as a lines-man as his team play against Goring United in Goring-On-Thames, Britain, 13 December 2020 (issued 08 March 2021).
For refugees and asylum seekers, starting a new life in the United Kingdom presents a host of tough challenges, from learning the language to finding common ground with the locals. The grassroot soccer team Sanctuary Strikers Football Club in southern England has stepped in to help the newcomers to integrate and make friends in their new home. The club, founded by Thomson Chalke from Zimbabwe in 2017 in Reading, was created to bring together refugees and non-refugees to play soccer in a spirit of unity, which he says is the essence of the world's most popular sport.
Adam Hussai, who left Sudan in 2015, says: "Everything is so different to Sudan but this is a really friendly team and they made me feel so welcome. I come every week even if I sit on the bench or am the linesman. One day I hope to break into the first team." EPA-EFE/NEIL HALL

Mud sticks to the boots of Sanctuary Strikers Football Club players as the team plays against Goring United in Goring-On-Thames, Britain, 13 December 2020 (issued 08 March 2021).
For refugees and asylum seekers, starting a new life in the United Kingdom presents a host of tough challenges, from learning the language to finding common ground with the locals. The grassroot soccer team Sanctuary Strikers Football Club in southern England has stepped in to help the newcomers to integrate and make friends in their new home. The club, founded by Thomson Chalke from Zimbabwe in 2017 in Reading, was created to bring together refugees and non-refugees to play soccer in a spirit of unity, which he says is the essence of the world's most popular sport. EPA-EFE/NEIL HALL