Surrey Fire and Rescue Service Supports Big Leaf Foundation’s Refugee Week Football Tournament

In a wonderful display of community spirit and support, Surrey Fire and Rescue Service participated in the Big Leaf Foundation's community seven-a-side football tournament, held at Surrey Sports Park as part of the Refugee Week 2024 celebrations.

The Big Leaf Foundation, an award-winning Surrey charity founded in 2018, supports over 300 displaced young people through activities, projects, and events aimed at combating social isolation and improving well-being.

This year's football tournament, designed to encourage positive social contact and community cohesion, saw displaced young people supported by Big Leaf playing matches alongside teams from Surrey Fire Service, Surrey Police, and local businesses.

With over 65 players and around 20 spectators, the event was a tremendous success, fostering understanding and building networks across the community.

Lloyd Hatton, Station Commander, expressed his enthusiasm, stating: "It was a really nice community event, and it would be great to be able to support their initiative going forward. I think with some support, many of these young people would look to apply to the fire service and become great additions to any workforce. For many others, they would just like the experience and enjoy feeling part of our community."

The event, part of the nationwide Refugee Week celebrations, centred around the theme of 'Our Home,' and allowed displaced young people to mix and mingle with local communities, building a sense of belonging and confidence in Surrey. The tournament evoked memories of home for many participants and provided an opportunity to create new memories and conceptions of 'Our Home' in Surrey.

In addition to the football matches, the event provided a platform for displaced young people to explore future career pathways. Several young attendees expressed interest in pursuing a career with the fire service, leading to plans for a career taster session at the Surrey Fire and Rescue Service's Guildford HQ.

Big Leaf Foundation's diverse projects, including sports, creative arts, casework support, education, leadership programmes, and residentials, play a crucial role in helping displaced young people navigate their new lives and the complex asylum system. This football tournament is a testament to the power of community events in supporting these young individuals as they find their feet and move forward with renewed optimism.