Press Release

For Immediate Release

Local Charity Refugee Roots Sponsors Red Sea FC, a Refugee Football Team in Nottingham

Nottingham,11/9/2024

Refugee Roots, a Nottingham-based charity dedicated to supporting refugees and migrants, is proud to announce its sponsorship of Red Sea FC, a local football team made up of players from refugee and migrant backgrounds. This partnership marks a significant step in fostering community integration and promoting the physical and mental well-being of those who have recently settled in Nottingham.

Red Sea FC was founded in 2019 by Ezedin Osman, a national of Eritrea who now calls Nottingham home. The club aims to bring together sports-loving youth from across the globe, creating a positive environment for personal development, learning new life skills, and making a positive impact on the local community.

Ezedin Osman, Manager of Red Sea FC, shared his vision for the club: "The Red Sea Club was set up with the aim of bringing together sport-loving youth from all over the globe. We are made up of members of the refugee and migrant communities that have recently arrived in Nottingham and consider this city their second home. The Club was founded because we thought there was a need to create a positive environment for these young people so that they could develop themselves, learn new life skills, and eventually make a positive impact on those around them, especially the local host community."

The Nottinghamshire FA was first introduced to Red Sea FC in February through The University of Nottingham’s STAR Group (Student Action For Refugees). Sophie, the Disability and Inclusion Officer at Nottinghamshire FA, has since been working closely with the club to support their ambitions of becoming an affiliated football club and competing in Nottinghamshire’s football leagues. Sophie is also assisting in the establishment of a FA Just Play Centre at the club, which will provide structured football opportunities for the team.

Sophie expressed her enthusiasm for the club's future: "I have been working with Red Sea FC since February and love how committed they are to their players and organizing friendlies around the city for their players to compete in. They now want to compete in a league, and I think this is an exciting time for the club, as they will be a Just Play Centre and have an affiliated team competing in a league. Nottinghamshire FA will continue to support them throughout their first season in competitive football and their journey of being a Just Play Centre."

Molly McDonald from STAR at the University of Nottingham has played a crucial role in facilitating the initial connections between Red Sea FC and Nottinghamshire FA. Together, Molly and Sophie are working on creating more opportunities for the club, including providing new footballs, kits, and equipment to support their growth.

Refugee Roots' sponsorship will further bolster the club's activities by supporting their weekly football training sessions. The charity will make referrals and signpost participants to join these sessions, helping to ensure that the club continues to thrive and serve as a beacon of hope and community for refugees and migrants in Nottingham.

"We are thrilled to be partnering with Red Sea FC," said Adam Baker , Charity Director at Refugee Roots. "This collaboration aligns perfectly with our mission to support refugees and asylum seekers as they rebuild their lives in Nottingham. Football is a powerful tool for bringing people together, and we are excited to see the positive impact this partnership will have on the players and the broader community."

Regular updates on Red Sea FC's progress and activities will be shared on Refugee Roots' social media channels and website in the coming months.

For more information, please contact:

Charity Director: Adam Baker

Phone: 07462092732

Email: [email protected]

T: @refugeeroots

I: www.instagram.com/refugeeroots

X: @refugeeroots

F: www.facebook.com/refugeeroots

L: https://www.linkedin.com/company/refugee-roots/ 

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About Refugee Roots

Refugee Roots is a Nottingham-based charity committed to providing support, community, and opportunities for refugees and migrants. Through various programs and initiatives, Refugee Roots helps individuals and families integrate into their new communities, offering practical assistance, advice, and friendship.

About Red Sea FC

Founded in 2019, Red Sea FC is a Nottingham-based football club made up of players from refugee and migrant backgrounds. The club provides a supportive environment where members can develop their football skills, gain confidence, and make meaningful connections with the local community.