United for Sanctuary - Football Festival brings the community together at Wallsend Boys Club
A North Tyneside youth football club has hosted a sports festival event, supporting refugees and people seeking sanctuary in the North East.
A North Tyneside youth football club has hosted a sports festival event, supporting refugees and people seeking sanctuary in the North East.
Wallsend Boys Club held the United for Sanctuary Football Festival last weekend, bringing together more than 140 participants from across the region, for a day of football and community.
This year marks the 4th year of the event, which is run by Wallsend Boys Club, Walking With (North Tyneside), NU Foundation, and Newcastle council.
It was launched to highlight the power of football and sport to break down barriers, build relationships and promote understanding between different communities.
Throughout the day, there were friendly matches, activities and celebrations.
Shams Moussa, from the Walking With refugee charity said:
"The most important part of this event is people coming together, sharing, laughing and being together.
"This is the fourth year we've put the football festival on and each year it makes our communities stronger.
"Watch out Soccer Aid- we're going to get as big as you!"
Organisers also told us they praised the turnout and atmosphere, thanking players, volunteers, partners and supporters who helped make the event possible.