Collecting used football clothes for asylum children

On Monday 27June a group of joyful young boys from Voldby visited Aarhus Sommerbold to try out bubble ball, the big foosball table - and simply to have fun playing football. These boys all came from Syria, Lebanon or Iran to Denmark as asylum seekers. Some have been here for several months and others up to two years.

They were not only here to play, but also to start gathering football clothes and gear for themselves and other asylum children around Voldby, both girls and boys, who share their passion for football. A container has been placed outside Musikhusset where people can drop used football gear and clothes donations until 10 July.

Merete Sønderskov Sørensen, who works forRed Cross Asylum in East Jutland and Asylum school in Voldby, who spoke with much passion about her work said the biggest challenge they faced at the asylum centre was funding all the ideas they had for the children. It is not hard to believe they want to plan more activities; the boys enjoyed their day out in Aarhus.

She told us the boys wanted to make Danish friends and football was a great way to do it, “it is partly why they play football, to make Danish friends.”

After the boys had played bubble ball as Barcelona Vs. Madrid they moved on to another football field and joined a group of Danish boys playing football. As they ran into the field one of them yelled in Danish ‘we really want to play with Danish children.’

After a lot of sweat and rain the boys stopped for a drink of cola before receiving football books in Danish as gifts. They seemed pleased with the day.

Facts:
The container will be at Musikhusset until 10 July and donated clothes go to asylum children in Grenå area.

The clothes will be used to provide a start-kit when children start playing football, including football boots, shorts, football shirt and shin pads.