East Riding FA supporting Acorn FC

A team made up East Riding FA Flexi Play participants last night took on Acorn FC; a team made up of refugees based in Hull and East Yorkshire.

The game which was Acorn FC’s first ever 11-a-side fixture was staged at the University of Hull with the football providing a welcome distraction to the appalling weather conditions.

Acorn FC are an East Riding FA affiliated side made up of refugees and are supported by Hull based charity Welcome House which was created after Hull was a declared a city of sanctuary in 2017.

Led by volunteer coach Anei the team which has come together from all parts of the globe host weekly recreational football sessions at the cities Tigers Trust arena with the charity also recently successful in obtaining a Barclays Football Sported grant which has helped them purchase new kit and equipment. 

East Riding FA Participation and Communications Officer Chris Johnson said “I became aware Acorn FC a few months ago and instantly thought how can we integrate the team in to the East Riding Grassroots Football Community. Through a lot of hard work from people such as Maureen Mulligan we are now in a position where Acorn FC are now able to play 11-a-side fixtures with the side able to call upon almost 25 players.”

Whilst playing football provides a welcome distraction to the struggles that many of the players have encountered there is also an important element of community cohesion with the players and volunteers at Acorn FC keen to form bonds and friendships not only between themselves but also the wider community.

The game which ended 7-2 in favour of Acorn FC also provided an opportunity for East Riding FA Flexi Play participants to play 11-a-side football with many of the team made up of players who are not able to commit to Saturday or Sunday adult football.

Chris Johnson added; “Last nights game was important for a number of reasons, not least because it showed that football and sport in general can play an important role in bringing people together and uniting communities. Over 20 different nationalities combined last night to play a game of football and we are committed to supporting Acorn FC over the course of this season.” 

For more information regarding East Riding FA Flexi Play sessions please click here and to find out more about Welcome House then please click here.