A “fun” football event is to be held in Derry this weekend with the specific aim of making the Syrian refugees welcome in the city.
The event, to take place at the Leafair pitches from 11.00am to 2.00pm on Sunday, is being organised by locally-based Egyptian, Mohamed Ali.
Initially Mohamed, who runs the Bright Stars football club, was looking for six teams but now just requires one team to fill the noon to 1.00pm slot.
The event will be seven-a-side with each team having a Syrian family member playng with them.
Entry fee is £5 a head with money raised going to refugee children.
Mohamed stressed the event was “non competitive.”
He added: “It’s for fun before anything.
“Everyone is welcome to donate and play a few minutes.”
He concluded: “Each team will have a Syrian family member playing with them so we can get them in the mix and make them feel part of us.”
Photo shows Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Elisha McCallion, at a reception held in the Guildhall last night for local people who donated welcome packs for the Syrian refugees who have set up home in the city.
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