6th August, 2022. Pompey’s first home game of the new season was dedicated to the many Ukrainian war refugees and their families.
In collaboration with Pompey In The Community, Portsmouth Football Team’s affiliated charity, Work Better Innovations has taken part in organising this event in aid of Ukrainian victims of war and displacement. The high visibility of the event was an important statement of solidarity and showed the continued support towards integration.
Sporting original #Pompey FC football kits, the little ones proudly waved the players onto the pitch, and were later invited to score penalties against the team’s mascot. An endearing display of coming together through the universal power of play. The joyful atmosphere surrounding the stadium as well as some highlights from the welcoming ceremony can be viewed in this video by the Ukrainian Community Hampshire.
Speaking to some of the participants, it became clear how much this act of solidarity mattered, 6 months on, for all those affected by the war and now trying to build new lives abroad. Since the armed conflict broke out in February, thousands of asylum seekers have resettled in the Hampshire area, with over a hundred in Portsmouth according to reports by Portsmouth News channel. It is our continued aim to offer auxiliary resources and foster connections between the immigrant and the local community. While the importance of having a safe place to stay and vital means of sustenance can’t be over estimated, a key aspect to one’s well being is also to feel like an accepted member of the community.
Many thanks to our Ukrainian friends and colleagues, Pompey in the Community, Portsmouth Football Club and so many in the community who make #Pompey such a special place to live.
