On Mother’s Day, 21 women & children from countries including Iran, Syria, Eritrea and Iraq joined local women to walk to the Stadium and watch the Women’s League Cup Final at Ashton Gate.
A 10-year-old joined with their mum, excited to experience their first live match together.
On a wet and windy Sunday afternoon, the crowd roared as Lauren James scored the opening goal. By the second goal, which helped secure the win, one young Iranian woman had been kindly given a Chelsea flag by a fellow fan, waving it proudly alongside the sea of blue.
For many, the day was about more than football.
“For a long time I have come this far and I feel this kind of happiness in me, because I went out with friends. We watched the game together and it was so interesting. It made me happy. Really, I felt good. I just want to say thank you to those who provided the tickets, because often we are at our accommodation doing nothing. That’s why we try to go out, to join the community, so we are not sitting alone and thinking about our problems.” ~ Amara*, Sierra Leone.
Being part of this community has made me feel I am not alone that there are many people who share similar interests and values.
The group spoke warmly about the support they’ve found locally.
“Sunday at the stadium was a very special experience for me. Watching the final alongside other fans created a strong sense of unity and excitement, and showed how football can bring people together. Being part of this community has made me feel that I am not alone that there are many people who share similar interests and values. This has strengthened my sense of belonging and support,” ~ Lena, Iran.
Merwait from Eritrea reflected:
“Being part of this community has meant a lot to me. It has given me a sense of belonging and kindness during a very uncertain time in my life. Meeting people who are welcoming and supportive reminds me that there is still humanity and compassion in the world.”
One of our volunteers, Rosie, was excited to attend with her granddaughter:
“Such loud, raucous crowds would be daunting for some of our ladies, so being together as a group created a safe and welcoming environment for them to enjoy the excitement. It was also a great chance to talk to my granddaughter about the time I spend with the ‘Stitching Together’ group and the importance of understanding the experiences of refugees. A great learning experience for her.”
[We] are not just people with difficult stories. We are mothers, professionals and individuals with hopes, skills and dreams.
With International Women’s Day and Mother’s Day adding extra meaning, some reflected on their experiences as women seeking sanctuary.
“I would like people to understand that women seeking sanctuary are not just people with difficult stories. We are also mothers, professionals, and individuals with hopes, skills and dreams. What we need most is understanding, dignity, and opportunities to rebuild our lives in safety.” ~ Merwait.
Hiba from Iraq shared a similar message:
“What I would like people in Bristol to know is that women seeking sanctuary are just like everyone else. They have dreams, abilities and hopes. More than anything, they need understanding, respect, and the opportunity to build a safe life.”
By the end of the match, everyone was on their feet. Some women who had never previously been interested in football, even one Manchester United supporter, slightly disappointed by the result. As the game ended, the sun started to break through, shining down on blue flags and cheering Chelsea fans.
This day was a reminder that, despite our differences, football can bring people together, helping to build connection, confidence and community.
*Real names not used for anonymity.
We are incredibly grateful to the organisers of the Women’s League Cup and the Robins Foundation for their generous donation of tickets, giving local community groups the opportunity to come together, share this special experience, and feel part of something bigger.
And a big thanks to the UK Fund of the Ben & Jerrys foundation for funding this work, connecting people seeking sanctuary into their local community, helping us all to better understand one another and discover positive stories to help change the narrative.