(posted 7308 days ago)Asylum boss uses football to teach kids
Apr 23 2004
By Vicky WilksSouth London Press
TWO years ago, June Thomas-Crandon knew nothing about football - now she has been voted team manager of the year.June became drawn into the beautiful game through her job working for the asylum seekers' team at Lambeth council.
Her role is to support young people aged 16 to 18 who have arrived in Britain alone and are seeking asylum.
Clapham Common
After deciding to set up a football team, June wasted no time in getting some of the boys down to Clapham Common for a kickabout.Despite her lack of football knowhow, June took on the role of coach to the boys, who hail from countries including Eritrea, Uganda, Congo, Vietnam, Somalia and Kosovo.
As the team improved, June took on a trained coach and the boys played their first competitive game.
They were noticed by Street League, a football league for people who are in some way disadvantaged.
The Lambeth boys started in the third league but were quickly promoted to the first and, with up to 40 keen to play, June had to create two teams - Lambeth All Nations and Lambeth Stars. Between them, they have won five cups, one plate and seven individual team prizes.
One player, 19-year- old Izedin Harusha, from Kosovo, is on trial playing for Woking FC. The boys train with a coach from Street League every Friday in Kennington Park and play a match once a month.
Player Hamed Ghariib, 16, from Somalia, has been in the team for a year.
He said: "I have made many friends. When I started to play, I couldn't speak English. Other players have helped me to learn." June, who is now setting up a girls' team, said: "I want to try to help them develop certain skills. Even if they can't speak the language, they learn to communicate through the football."
Street League has just named June its team manager of the year.
When they are not playing football, the lads are all in full-time education and live in supported housing provided by Lambeth council.