Who we are
Refugee Resource has supported refugees, asylum seekers and vulnerable migrants in Oxfordshire since 1999. We believe that migrants make a positive difference to our society, so all of our services are set up to help people to get the psychological, social and practical support they need to build new lives.
We are experts in mental health for refugees and asylum seekers. We offer counselling and therapy alongside therapeutic groups.
Our project
Refugee Resource, working in partnership with Asylum Welcome and Oxford United in the Community, wants to help young men who are refugees and asylum seekers through our football team - Oxford Phoenix FC.
We started running this project together in 2021 and since then it has gone from strength to strength.
Adam Mohammed joined Oxford Phoenix in December having arrived in the UK from Libya in September 2021. The 18-year-old plays in midfield and to mark Refugee Week, he said joining the team has helped him adjust to life more than 2,000 miles from home.
“It’s allowed me to make friends and settle into my new life,” said Adam. “I always played football back home, and when I arrived in the UK I want to continue playing and found Oxford Phoenix FC which has been fun.
“I enjoy coming here twice a week and playing with people who are similar to me. It’s been a big change, but I’m very grateful for this opportunity.”
Youcef El Barhdadi, Football Coordinator at Refugee Resource, said the creation of Oxford Phoenix FC has delivered lasting memories and qualities to its players since the club first launched.
“Providing a safe space for refugees and asylum seekers, who have fled from difficult situations, to play football is our primary objective,” said Youcef.
“Sport and activities help build friendships, confidence and skills that are essential in everyday life. By creating a team in partnership with Oxford United in the Community and Asylum Welcome, we are enabling refugees to place any anxieties they might have on hold and instead develop positive aspirations for their futures.
“We welcome new faces every week, and seeing players’ confidence develop both on and off the pitch is immensely satisfying. Our trips to the Kassam Stadium epitomise how we can use football to bring people together for positive outcomes."
Why football?
Football is a universal language! Oxford Phoenix FC provides a fun and safe space, using football to connect individuals seeking refuge in Oxfordshire, with likeminded people in the local community. As well as developing key life skills, the sessions help refugees integrate into their new community.
Building relationships through football also means that Refugee Resource and Asylum Welcome can offer other support and help to the young men who take part.
Interested in refugees and football? Check out this article from International Rescue Committee:
Five famous football players who fled war | International Rescue Committee (IRC)
How we will spend your donations
Funds raised from our crowdfunder page will be shared between Refugee Resource and Asylum Welcome. We will use donations to pay towards staff costs for Asylum Welcome's Youth Coordinator (£4000) and the cost of travel for Oxford Phoenix FC to travel to matches and tournaments (£1500).
For example;
- £30 could pay for a pair of football boots
- £57 could cover pitch hire for a training session
- £250 could pay for a coach to take Oxford Phoenix to play a match elsewhere in the UK.
How you can play your part
There are four simple ways to help us reach our target, and make this project a reality.
1. Make a pledge. Don’t delay if you’re going to support us because momentum is key to our success!
2. Spread the word. Share our project on your social media pages and tell the world to get behind us! The more people we reach, the more support we will get.
3. Offer rewards. Get involved if you are a local business by donating things we can offer to our supporters. We will give you a shout out!
4. If you want to run your own fundraiser to support us, maybe a sponsored activity or similar, use the 'contact project' button at the top of our page to let us know. Setting up your own page only takes a few minutes and you won’t need any bank details. Just a fun idea!