Menu
Close
Story added: 17th June 2026
For 19‑year‑old Nawid, sport has always played an important role in his life. Growing up in Afghanistan, he played football from the age of three and spent much of his childhood with a ball at his feet. But when he arrived in the UK in 2019, everything felt unfamiliar. With no local team to join and no established community around him, he slowly lost confidence and stepped away from the sport he once loved.
That changed when he discovered Fresh Start, Norwich City Community Sports Foundation’s free weekly football programme for refugees and asylum seekers. The sessions at Carrow Park offer a safe, welcoming space to play, meet new people and feel part of the local community.
“It keeps you fit, builds your confidence and helps you meet new people,” Nawid explained.
“Everyone’s friendly and no one judges you. We all come here to enjoy the session.
“It’s great being around people from different countries. Everyone shares their own experiences and it really helps build confidence, especially with communicating and connecting in new ways.”
"The staff are really welcoming. They help you when you make mistakes and always give advice to help you improve. You learn something from every session."
Nawid
Participant
The confidence Nawid has built through Fresh Start has helped him reconnect with football and explore new sports.
“I used to love football but I stopped playing when I first moved to the UK,” he said.
“I didn’t play for three or four years. It was difficult because I didn’t have an escape anymore and my skills were slipping.
“Since joining Fresh Start three years ago, I’ve found my feet again. I love it here and look forward to the session every week.
“The confidence I’ve gained here has helped me start boxing regularly as well, and I’m really enjoying that too.”
The programme welcomes players of all abilities, from beginners to seasoned players. Sessions take place on Friday evenings at Carrow Park, and it’s something Nawid would recommend to anyone.
“I would give this programme ten out of ten – I’d definitely recommend it,” he said.
“Everyone’s friendly and it really feels like you belong here. It’s helped me in so many ways and I love attending – it’s fantastic.”
Tom Bardwell‑Doughty, Community Project Manager at the Foundation, says the programme continues to grow in both reach and impact.
“Fresh Start is an invaluable community asset that reflects the heart of what we aim to achieve as a Foundation. It helps us engage with an underserved community in a way that feels welcoming, consistent and meaningful. Football acts as a universal language that brings people together and supports both physical and mental wellbeing.
“Attendance has continued to grow, as has the diversity of those taking part. With the support of volunteers and the intervention practitioner at Norfolk County Council, we’ve created a safe, trusted space for refugees to access sport and feel part of the local community. Nawid’s journey is one of many that shows how powerful this programme can be.”
For Nawid, Fresh Start has been exactly that – a chance to reconnect, rebuild confidence and feel part of a community.
17th June 2026
For Nawid, Fresh Start has opened the door to confidence, connection and community, while helping him rediscover his passion for football.
17th June 2026
The Foundation welcomed Year 10 students to The Nest for The Next Play, a special Premier League Inspires event designed to build confidence, raise aspirations and help young people think about their next steps.
9th June 2026
Players across the Foundation’s Football Development Programme enjoyed an exciting May half‑term, filled with competitive fixtures, team experiences and a standout trip to the Women’s FA Cup Final.
9th June 2026
Joe, a second-year student on the Foundation’s Football & Education programme, registered two assists while making an appearance for England Schoolboys against Wales.