Burnley FC players enjoy football game at charity's refugee scheme

On March 9, first team players Anass Zaroury, Ameen Al-Dakhil and Halil Dervişoğlu, were invited to a ‘Clarets Welcome’ session, hosted by Burnley FC in the Community which is the official charity of Burnley Football Club.

Clarets Welcome is a friendly, welcoming football session which was created to bring together young men who were displaced from Syria due to the ongoing conflict.

Burnley FC players Anass Zaroury, Halil Dervişoğlu and Ameen Al-Dakhil at a Clarets Welcome session hosted by Burnley FC in the Community (Image: Burnley FC in the Community)

The scheme is now open to males, over the age of 16, from all backgrounds who are new to the Burnley and East Lancashire area.

Clarets Welcome helps participants to develop their football skills, be a part of a team and, most importantly, enjoy football in a welcoming environment.

Faraz, one of our brilliant participants, spoke about his experience and the support he has received from BFCitC over the five years he has been attending our sessions.

One participant, known only as Faraz, talked about how these sessions have a positive impact on his and his friends lives, which really shows the impact that these sessions can have on individual members of our community.

The session ended with participants posing for a photograph with the players.

Michael Colquhoun, director of community projects said: ‘When we started the sessions five years ago, the aim was to engage families new to the east Lancashire area.

“That is still the aim and sessions are open and welcome to all communities. The sessions have had a profound effect on participants, who each week return, and in turn make new friendships and help integrate in the community.

“We want to extend our thanks to the players who came down to the session and got involved!”