More than £500 was raised in a charity football match between Leek Wootton FC and asylum seekers living in Kenilworth.

Known collectively as Worldwide FC, the team played their first match against team made up of managers of the 17 junior teams at Leek Wootton Football Club. 

Hosted on Saturday, July 16 at Kenilworth School the game was a fiercely-competed 3-3 draw.

Money raised was given to Compassionate Kenilworth to help support sporting and fitness activities for asylum seekers living locally.

Compassionate Kenilworth has been working to support over 110 asylum seekers living at the Riverside Hotel, with essentials from clothing to education.

The work has been supported by local community groups including Kenilworth Lions, Rotary Club of Kenilworth, the Soroptimists and Kenilworth Round Table, as well as The Kenilworth Centre and local churches. 

But with the asylum seekers not allowed to work, local groups realised that opportunities for sport and exercise to keep them entertained was needed.

A Compassionate Kenilworth spokesperson said: "It was realised early on though, that opportunities for sport and exercise were missing. 

"Given that exercise is a key contributor to health and wellbeing and that football is a sport that transcends language barriers, many of the residents started playing football regularly, with donated balls on gravel.

"Since then, with help from local volunteers, all kit and equipment has been donated and the players have been practising regularly at their accommodation and at local pitches."

Leek Wootton FC are also hoping to find pathways for some of the players into local adult football teams. 

Speaking at last night's (July 28) Kenilworth Town Council meeting Cllr Richard Dickson said: "Myself and the mayor attended a charity football match in-part funded by The Lions and Leek Wootton Football Club - a closely fought 3-3 draw. There is some work going on with Warwick University with Central England Law Centre to help with asylum applications.

"The asylum seekers are not allowed to work and the sense of boredom and isolation adds to the stress that they are experiencing."

The money raised will be used by Compassionate Kenilworth to work with local providers to offers sporting and fitness opportunities to this group. If you would like to find out more please email [email protected]

If you want to donate to help us to continue to support Asylum Seekers living in Kenilworth, please donate here Justgiving

All donations will go directly to Compassionate Kenilworth to help provide essential items and sport and exercise opportunities.