Winners Whatever Happens: Changing Lives FC in KLABU
In the town of Harlow, Essex, amidst the echoes of cheers and the rhythm of footfalls up and down the pitch, plays a team like no other in the UK, a refugee football team that defies the odds and embodies the spirit of community. Meet Changing Lives FC, who have reached the Essex Alliance Division 3 Final.
Dressed in a colourful KLABU Teamwear kit, the players of Changing Lives FC step onto the field as part of our sports club that can change the world. Inspired by their admirable work we reached out to the team, knowing that their values aligned perfectly with our KLABU mission of promoting social good through sport. It's an honour for us to see them proudly wearing our colours as they demonstrate the life-changing power of football.
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"Wearing KLABU is a really good way to show people that nothing is impossible, we can do everything that we want to do honestly."
At the helm of this remarkable journey is David Simmons, who felt the need to create change and support vulnerable communities.
David envisioned a team where refugees, migrants, and locals could come together, to play football and forge bonds. As the team runs onto the pitch, the design of their KLABU shirts symbolise more than just a uniform; they represent solidarity, inclusion, and the collective spirit that binds them together. With each pass and tackle, Changing Lives FC sends a message: that sports have the power to break down barriers and shape lives.
Changing Lives FC is a team entirely made up of migrants, asylum seekers or refugees.
They are young men left to navigate the challenges of life on their own, facing circumstances that leave them particularly vulnerable in our society. Through sport we have all shared smiles with friends or even with strangers who don't speak the same language, these bonds can save lives when someone is all alone and disassociated with their new surroundings.
Win or lose once the final whistle is blown, one thing becomes abundantly clear: the impact of Changing Lives FC extends far beyond the pitch. Their story is a testament to the transformative power of sport and the profound difference it can make in the lives of individuals and communities alike.
"I would say that it's difficult to have patience sometimes, and it's okay. They just need to take time for them. Think, be brave because we need to be brave sometimes, even when it's really difficult for us. But nothing is impossible. Every person could face a bad moment every time, but nothing is forever."
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So, don't miss Changing Lives FC in action TONIGHT, 07.05.2024 in the Essex Alliance Division 3 Final, with kickoff at 7:30 PM at Dagenham and Redbridge FC, Victoria Road, RM10 7XL. As you watch these refugees in action and your eyes track the vibrant colours of their KLABU kit around the pitch, remember their journey and the hope they inspire. And know that you're not just seeing a team; you're witnessing a movement that really lives up to their team name: changing lives, one goal at a time.
And if you're interested in getting kitted out by KLABU, get in touch with our Teamwear Manager Rie, via teamwear@klabu.org to have a chat about all the possibilities from customisation to bespoke designs!
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