BOROUGH refugees living in hotel accommodation have been given an opportunity to watch premier football matches thanks to a Wokingham charity, a computer company, and Premier League.
Working with refugee crisis group Care4Calais, and Oracle computers, Wokingham charity The Cowshed, was able to send eight refugees passionate about football to see two premier matches.
The charity was given eight tickets for the 2023 Premier League match fixtures to pass on to asylum seekers currently residing in hotels.
The ticket holders were able to enjoy matches between West Ham and Crystal Palace, and between Bournemouth and Chelsea.
Fundraising manager from The Cowshed, Rebecca Mole, said: “When our supporters, Oracle, told us they had been provided with Premier League tickets, we were delighted to be able to distribute them to our refugees.
“Often the families are stuck in hotel accommodation with no access to public funds.
“Last year members of Reading Football Club came to play the game with our refugee families.
“We saw how much the boys loved playing football, and we knew that these tickets would be well received.”
The charity says that football is a powerful way to bring communities together, and to relieve stress.
Many of the refugees they support are passionate football players themselves.
One of the ticket recipients, Lalhmunsanga, said: “ “I don’t know how to express my gratitude for the sponsorship of tickets.
“The moment I got mine, I was filled with joy and anticipation.
“I never thought I would be able to see professional football players in real life, but I had a chance to see not only my favourite football players but also their great movements on the pitch.
“It was a day I will never forget.
“The fans were buzzing around and the atmosphere was electric.
“It means the world to me and I will always be grateful.”
Another ticket holder, Rahim, said: “Thanks to your kindness, I was able to witness an unforgettable game and enjoy a fantastic day out.
“I couldn’t have asked for a better time.
“The energy in the stadium was electric, and your kindness has meant the world to me.
“I cannot thank you enough for your generosity.
“I hope to pay it forward someday and make a difference in someone’s life, just as you have done for me.”
The Cowshed provides support to people in crisis from all backgrounds, providing quality clothes and essentials free to anyone in need.
Recipients include those fleeing domestic abuse, individuals and families experiencing emergency rehousing, or health issues resulting in poverty.
The organisation also works with people in the local community who are homeless, have emergency custody situations, or experience poor housing conditions.
The charity receives increasing numbers of referrals each week from health visitors, social services, foodbanks, schools, refuges, churches, doctors and charities.
For information about The Cowshed, visit: www.thecowshed.org
For more about Care4Calais, visit: www.care4calais.org
For the charity’s supporter, Oracle, visit: www.oracle.com/uk
