At just 14 years of age, Jacob left his home in Sudan and made the journey to the United Kingdom, a journey that would take him three years.

He previously described the journey as “extremely daunting and scary”. Having now been in the UK for two years, at 18 years of age, Jacob has been volunteering with Swindon Town Community Foundation, with an ambition of establishing a career in sport.

His role as a Facility Staff Member is based at Foundation Park,  a place he knows well from his own participation. For Jacob, Swindon Town Community Foundation and football were the two things that provided him support and stability when he arrived in the UK. 

With no means of employment, and a stipend that doesn’t allow for leisure activities, Jacob and others are often faced with long hours of boredom. One outlets available to them is sport, and recognising this, Swindon Foundation has given refugees the opportunity to attend coaching sessions and play matches using the Foundation’s facilities.

The weekly sessions average around 20 participants, and those who attend regularly have also been able to form a competitive team and enter into a local Sunday league. 

The Foundation also assists the participants with obtaining kit and equipment that may be required in order to remove any barriers to participation. 

Earlier this year, Jacob was also invited to attend the EFL Community Awards at the Houses of Parliament to share his story, where Clubs were recognised for their outstanding work in their respective communities and participants whose lives have been positive influenced by such work were celebrated. 

Swindon Town Community Foundation has given Jacob the opportunity to be active, meet new people and aspire to pursue a career in something he loves.


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