COLCHESTER United Football Club has been going above and beyond to ensure refugees are welcomed with open arms in the town.

The club’s Football in the Community programme has been providing football sessions for refugees who can forget about their worries for a while through a shared love of the beautiful game.

The sessions have provided a fantastic opportunity for migrants to integrate into north Essex society while building relationships and solidarity with others in a difficult situation.

Delivered in conjunction with Refugee Action Colchester and Active Essex, the programme aims to improve mental health while providing a fun environment for participants to socialise - and hit the back of the net.

Participant Emmanuel explained taking part in refugee football had been significant since arriving in the country.

He said: “It helps to spin out some stressful thoughts while being part of the community.”

Read more >> Frightened families fleeing Afghanistan to be given refuge in Colchester hotel

It’s why Kate Khan, Refugee Action Colchester’s fundraising co-ordinator, expressed the programme’s importance.

“A lot of people that come to us do suffer with mental health issues, social isolation and language barriers, so this gives them the opportunity to really get to meet people and have fun,” she added.

Gazette: Man on - coaches have been impressed by the group

Community development officer at Colchester United, Henry Singleton, has coached the sessions for the past few months and has been left feeling impressed with the group.

He said: “The improvement in the group’s levels of confidence has been astounding.

“I’ve been so impressed with everyone’s attitude over the past few months.”

Last month, Colchester opened its arms to frightened families fleeing Afghanistan after the Taliban took control of Kabul.

Refugees were provided with a safe space within an undisclosed hotel in the town, having supported British troops during the conflict.

Since the Taliban took control of Kabul in mid-August, thousands of people fearing for their lives desperately attempted to escape the capital.

The conflict led to Prime Minister Boris Johnson drawing up a resettlement scheme which will grant 20,000 Afghans refugee in the UK over the next five years.

Since the announcement Colchester Council has agreed to accommodate families, offering to provide them with a safe haven.

And, following an outpouring of support from residents across Essex for those arriving in the country, extra donation points had to be created.