A local resident has been helping asylum seekers living locally to integrate with other groups by forming a football team.

With the assistance of a small group of volunteers, Mark Morrey from Onside Coaching, has been running 'Worldwide FC'.

The team has already played matches against local teams, including sixth formers, teachers and parents, with the latest match seeing them go up against volunteers from Kenilworth Together.

"The group of asylum seekers based in Kenilworth are great, they are really friendly and so thankful for any help they receive," Mark said.

"I have learnt a lot since I first met them and realised very early on how much we all had in common especially everyone's sense of humour!

"I also discovered how difficult they found aspects of life here and what they said made be both sad and ashamed, with their only interaction being while waiting at a bus stop when people would shout and swear at them as they drove past.

"It was at that point that I realised that something needed to change."

Worldwide FC played its first game last summer against a team made up of managers of the 17 junior teams at Leek Wootton Football Club. 

More than £500 was raised at the charity match at Kenilworth School, with the money going to Compassionate Kenilworth which has been helping to support the asylum seekers.

Mark added: "Although this group is given access to education and activities there was little opportunity for positive interactions in the wider community.

"This is when we decided to ask them if they would like to form a football team and to organise some matches against different local groups.

"We have been really pleased with the response from everyone we have played, demonstrating what a warm welcome Kenilworth can provide if we can find a common bond."

Deputy leader of Warwick District Council Cllr Richard Hales played in the latest match, for Kenilworth Together.

"This is a tremendous initiative; and I was delighted to have the opportunity not only to take part, but also to get to know the team members. I very much hope that this momentum will continue, slowly removing barriers and helping friendships to form," he said.