THE festive period was a busy one for City of Liverpool FC, on and off the pitch.

The team picked up their first win in seven games last weekend, emerging with a 3-0 victory following an impressive display against Prescott Cables.

It was the Purps’ second game of 2020, with the first being a 2-0 defeat at home to Runcorn Linnets which rounded off a tough Christmas period for the team. 

As well as these festive fixtures, the club was also active off the pitch, raising money for the city’s refugees and asylum-seekers who may be struggling during the winter months.

The community arm of the club, City of Liverpool FC in the Community, continued its work on the Football for Everyone scheme it originally set up back in 2016.

“The aim was to provide weekly football sessions for Liverpool’s migrant community, including refugees and asylum-seekers who participate in games with other local players,” says COLFC in the Community director Michael Meadows.

“The sessions don’t place an emphasis on competitive football, and instead focus on building friendships between communities which ordinarily may not have met each other.

“A number of local participants and session organisers also act as a point of contact outside of the football sessions to assist refugees with their new life in Liverpool. 

“The sessions take place on a Sunday at Everton Park Sports Centre in Liverpool, whilst a midweek five-a-side game also takes place in a local school hall. 

“Participation is open to all regardless of ability or previous football experience.”

A fundraising collection was held in December to raise money for the refugees and asylum-seekers taking part in these sessions, as many were without adequate clothing and footwear, especially for cold weather conditions.

City of Liverpool appealed to the local community and across social media for donations of warm clothes and football boots, and were overwhelmed by the response.

Support and donations came in from local businesses, football fans and former footballers who donated kits, equipment and money.

A JustGiving page raised almost £300 which was used to buy appropriate clothing and kit for the winter months.

“It’s easy to take for granted that we all have access to warm clothing in winter and shoes on our feet, but for poor and often vulnerable members of our community this isn’t always accessible,” says COLFC in the Community founder and general manager Sean Lindblad.

“Many of our refugees may have had a tough and arduous journey to reach Liverpool, and have often arrived in the only clothes they own.

“We’ve had participants turn up for sessions in jeans and leather shoes, as this was all they had. 

“All of the lads will be focused on setting up their new life in Liverpool, so if we can take a small worry off their mind to give them the kit they need to play, we’re delighted to help.”

One of the objectives of COLFC in the Community was to ensure that financial background wouldn’t prevent any participants from enjoying the sport they love.

Making sure all those taking part in the Football for Everyone scheme are able to turn up for sessions without having to worry about not having the appropriate kit encourages participation, especially as the scheme runs every week in the variety of weather conditions served up by a port city such as Liverpool.

In April 2018 the organisation welcomed Jeremy Corbyn to one of its sessions. The Labour leader praised the club’s work in the community and its contribution to anti-racism causes.

The initiative has also received generous support on match days in the form of kit collections and donations.

Football for Everyone holds a kit donation scheme at the games, and the refugees were guests at a fixture in 2018 to mark Amnesty International’s Football Welcomes initiative.

“We’re grateful to the people of Liverpool and particularly City of Liverpool supporters for supporting our refugee footballers, and helping us to truly show that football in Liverpool is for everyone,” added Lindblad.

“We are proud to be advocates for our refugee footballers, helping them mix with locals and build friendships.

“This is another example of both our city and our club’s attitude towards building our community through inclusion and diversity.”

The Purps return to action on the pitch this weekend and will hope to build on last week’s victory when they face Ramsbottom United at the Berry Street Garage Stadium in Bootle today.

Tickets are priced at £8 for adults, £4 for concessions and entry is free for anyone under 16. 

Those interested in joining Football for Everyone sessions, or donating kit can contact Sean or Mike on Twitter via @COLFCcommunity.