Refugees thank life-changing Ashton United

Two asylum seekers from Uganda have been volunteering at Ashton United home games through the club’s community work.

Timothy and Ken have been involved with Ashton United in the Community (AUITC) for the past 18 months, and have recently received the news they have been granted leave to remain in the UK as refugees.

AUITC Project Manager Steve Hobson said: “Ken and Timothy have been like a breath of fresh air. They have thrown themselves into every task given, and always with a smile on their faces.

“Having supported them through the asylum-seeking process we now look forward to helping them secure employment and establishing themselves as UK residents.”

AUITC is the club’s community engagement arm and offers volunteering opportunities to local people and at Hurst Cross stadium.

It supports a number of projects that tackle issues associated with the deprivation prevalent in the community, such as poverty, loneliness, isolation, poor health and wellbeing, community safety, lack of education and unemployment.

Tim and Ken wrote a letter to the charity: “It's not every day that you will walk into a place and instantly feel at home, but this is exactly what it felt like when we walked into the front of Ashton United football club. The instant hospitality, kindness and support, that Steve Hobson and the rest of the staff gave us was more than a welcome and it instantly meant a safe haven to volunteer.

“To this day, it's now about one-year and five months since we joined Ashton United FC and  the charity, and over time we have become part of the family and thanks to the great support, we have now changed status from previously asylum seekers to Refugees granted leave to remain; this would never have been possible without the support.

“We are forever indebted to Ashton United FC 's generosity, support, skills that we have acquired over time and forever cherish the new family we have created with every member of staff at the club. Thank you, Ashton. We are glad to be part of your volunteering team and match day stewards. 
We look forward to more success.

“Ashton football club ranks as the number one volunteering choice destination.

“Kenneth and Timothy.”

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