Story added: 20th June 2023
The two participants sharing their experiences in this case study did not wish to disclose their names. The photos used in this story are of their fellow Fresh Start participants, who consented to their usage.
Participant A has been in England for 18 months and lives in shared accommodation in Norwich.
He currently attends college and is working to increase his employability and help him find a job. Whilst his studies are of great importance, he wanted to continue to play football and stay active.
Fresh Start has given him the opportunity to stay active and build a community outside of his studies and search for work.
When asked what Fresh Start means to him, he said:
“Football makes me feel fresh and takes my worries away. It gives me great enjoyment and is good exercise.”
He also stressed that he enjoys the fact that “people come from many different countries to Fresh Start to all play football together”.
One of his fellow Fresh Start participants (B) has been in Norwich since 2018 and lives in a flat.
He is studying engineering at college and has gained a diploma in sport. He loves playing football and finds life difficult when he is unable to play.
He said:
“Football helps with my fitness and is a beautiful game to play.”
He has enjoyed meeting new people and made lots of friends and through attending Fresh Start and enjoys the free sessions, coming back to play every week.
Fresh Start is our free weekly football session for children and adult refugees in Norwich.
It is aimed at supporting refugees, asylum seekers and their families in Norfolk, through free weekly football sessions at Carrow Park, our facility next to Carrow Road.
The programme is made possible thanks to funding from the Norfolk Community Foundation.
10th April 2025
Canaryball Rally, proudly sponsored by DMD Installations and Ovamill, is back for its third year—and it's gearing up to be our best yet.
24th March 2025
24-year-old Joe has been attending our Realising Potential programme for just under two years, and has seen huge growth in his confidence and independence since attending.
28th January 2025
On Saturday 25th January, ahead of Norwich City's home fixture vs Swansea, the Foundation opened its new Fans Support Hub at Carrow Road for the first time.
When you donate a little each month, you will be helping to transform the lives of local people of all ages who need our support – giving them the opportunity to connect with others like them, feel happier and healthier in themselves, and raise their aspirations.
Ready for an adventure? Join us this July for the Three Peaks Challenge and help support the incredible work of the Community Sports Foundation. This is your chance to conquer the UK’s most iconic mountains, Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Mount Snowdon – all in one unforgettable weekend.
We have Soccer Schools running at venues across Norfolk & Suffolk, and whether participants are new to football, or are already a budding Canary superstar, the Soccer Schools programme has been put together to provide a fun, holiday activity at an affordable price.
As Norwich City Football Club's official charity partner, we help thousands of people every year achieve their goals through sport, supporting some of the most disadvantaged, disabled and talented people across Norfolk. Our vision is to support, inspire, and improve our community.
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