CLYDEBANK.. 1 SYRIA ....... 1

Big-hearted junior club organise weekly football matches to help refugees settle into Scottish life

A BIG-HEARTED junior football club have launched matches for Syrian refugees.

Clydebank FC run the hour-long seven-a-side games for families who have fled the war-torn country.

They kicked off after the Syrians were invited to watch the Bankies play against their rivals Yoker Athletic.

They now play once a week with local residents and community workers from West Dunbartonshire Council.

Club director Davie McAleer, 53, said: “The guys feel welcome. They enjoy the football and they are all really friendly.

“Obviously they were facing a difficult situation. They all have different stories but I can only imagine that. We just have a laugh about the game.”

Ten families have been housed in Clydebank after being brought over in the last year. Locals have been helping them adapt to life in their new surroundings – holding social gatherings at churches and community centres.

Davie added: “Someone from the council approached us and asked if it was alright if some of the guys came down to see a game.

“We could only have a basic conversation about football because of the language barrier but I said to them, ‘Well, maybe next time we can play.’ It just went from there. On average there are about eight or nine Syrians who come play.

“It’s been really enjoyable and positive for all of us involved.

“It might only be a game of football but it means so much more than that.”

Club sponsors Clydebank Co-operative also donated to the project.

Fiona McInnes, chief executive officer, added: “This programme shows the true spirit of Clydebank and the Co-op are delighted to have been asked to facilitate.”

It’s been enjoyable & positive for all involved DIRECTOR