Our Refugee Sessions
Bloomsbury Football offers dedicated community training sessions for displaced young people, helping to ease their transition into a new environment.
Join us for free weekly sessions – open to all ages and ability levels – providing a culturally sensitive environment for young people to play, connect, and grow their game as part of a safe and supportive community.
The specialised coaches champion a trauma-informed approach to football, recognising that every player’s story is unique and requires individualised support. The sessions focus on creating an environment for players to enjoy playing football as well as build friendships and learn skills that will help them on and off the pitch.
For any displaced young person aged 7-25
Building language skills and community
Specialised, trauma-informed approach to coaching
WHAT TO EXPECT
Our Refugee sessions provide a culturally sensitive environment for young people to play, connect and grow their game. Expect plenty of on-the-ball skill training, small-sided games and fun-filled activities to build teamwork and language skills. Our Refugee sessions run weekly, at multiple sites across North and West London.
HOW TO PLAY
To join a Bloomsbury Refugee & Asylum Seeker session, or find out more information, please contact Shana Holmes, Senior Special Projects Coordinator.
They will be able to provide more detail about what sessions are appropriate, including specific timings and locations of the sessions.
The Magic of Football
Playing football regularly transforms young lives. It teaches lessons that last for life, such as resilience, teamwork, self-belief and respect. It also creates friendships, builds confidence and gives young people something positive to belong to.
Bloomsbury’s Refugee sessions are the perfect way for young people to play, belong and progress.
FINANCIAL SUPPORT
Bloomsbury Football Foundation offers financial support as part of our commitment to make the magic of football accessible to all.
For refugees and asylum seekers, football at Bloomsbury is free of charge.
EXPLORE PROGRAMMES
Training Sessions
Organised football for all ages and ability levels. The easiest way to get on pitch and develop your skills.
Holiday Camps
Play football, stay active and make friends in the school holidays with our weekday camps.
Bears (Ages 3-6)
Early years football for players kicking off their love for sport.
Football Academy
Take your game to the next level with Bloomsbury Football Academy. Trial required.
Futsal Academy
Level up your skills with our fast-paced, high-intensity Futsal Academy.
Blind & Partially Sighted Football
Providing vision-impaired young people with space to play adapted formats of the game.
Pan-Disability Football
Specialist sessions designed to bring together players with a broad range of disabilities.
Refugee & Asylum Seeker Football FAQs
How do I join a Refugee Football session?
To learn more about where we run our Refugee and Asylum Seeker football sessions, and to join the programme, please email the programme manager, Shana Holmes.
Alternatively, please contact our Customer Support team:
☎️: 07724 608 600
✉️: info@bloomsburyfootball.comWho coaches the sessions?
Every Bloomsbury session is led by a qualified professional. As a minimum, all coaches hold an FA Level One qualification and are DBS checked.
Coaches are experienced in working with refugees, have good understanding of cultural diversity, and are trained in how to recognise safeguarding concerns – signposting and referring these concerns where appropriate to our Safeguarding and Governance team.
What can I expect at a session?
Our sessions focus on providing a safe space for players, where they can improve their technical ability while improving their language skills, teamwork, and begin to build a community of peers in London.
Training sessions vary in length, but are most commonly one hour long. The location and timings depend on which session you choose. You can check these details before you book on the website.
How much do sessions cost?
As a charity, Bloomsbury Football Foundation provides free football for players that are refugees or seeking asylum.
If you are a refugee or asylum seeker wishing to play football with us, you can apply for financial support. Once approved, discounts will be automatically applied to all future purchases.