Palace For Life Coach Development Manager Keith Boanas, in partnership with Croydon Voluntary Action and Football United, will be running a three-day football coaching course for refugee and asylum seekers in Croydon between 27 and 29 October 2021. 
Taking place at Selhurst Park Stadium, the three-day course will give learners the chance to build on their existing football knowledge and apply it to coaching. It’s intended that following the course, some of the learners will then go on to become a sessional coach and support sessions within the local community. 

Made up of classroom and practical sessions, the course will teach the methodologies and techniques needed to achieve FA qualifications, whilst receiving an insight into coaching.

o Employment opportunities with Palace for Life

o Mentoring and support after course completion

o Certificate of completion

Frank, a Ugandan Refugee, commented on the programme, saying: “Football is good way to connect with the community, meet new people and get myself familiar with the country. Through the project, I have got many connections that have turned into family. I have made friends with people of different back grounds that I don’t think I would have known. This has made me feel very connected to Croydon as my home and feel secure and safe in the UK. I have been able to settle and feel a sense of belonging within the community I am living in. It is a key that can unlock life changing chances. As well as enjoying playing football, the programme puts you in connection with many life improving choices.” 

Hillsong Church UK’s Refugee Response team added: "Football has been a great platform to reach and support young asylum seekers and refugees in London. Football has enabled the young people find friendships, confidence and a moment in their week to forget about their troublesome past and the challenges they face when settling in the UK."

Venue: Selhurst Park Stadium, London SE25 6PU / Dagnall Park, London SE25 5PH

Date & Time:  27/28/29 October 2021

For more information, contact keithboanas@palaceforlife.org  

About Croydon Voluntary Action

Croydon Voluntary Action is the local umbrella organisation representing the community and voluntary sector in Croydon. They have been running the 'We Stand Together' project for a number of years, using sport as a way of connecting with refugees and asylum seekers, improving their physical and mental health and reducing their sense of isolation.      

About Football United

Football United is hosted and organised by Hillsong Church UK’s Refugee Response team. The aim of Football United is to engage, equip and empower young refugee and asylum seekers in our local community in their football skills, and at the same time build their confidence and help overcome their fears in all areas of life. Together with local partners, they currently run three sessions across London in Croydon, Tottenham and Lewisham.