A BRADFORD charity has put on a weekly sports event for refugee and asylum seeker children to help them get fitter and socialise with others

Bradford Foundation Trust have been working with the children of refugees and asylum seekers because it feels that this group of people are the most isolated.

Gulsoom Akhtar, leader of Bradford Foundation Trust said: “This group of people feel as though they have been neglected.

“They’ve come with nothing and have experienced a lot of trauma and now that they are here there isn’t anything for them.”

The purpose of the sessions is to encourage children to actively participate in sports, build their confidence and to provide a safe environment.

Gulsoom said: “These children don’t really get to do sports or join social clubs because parents just can’t afford it.

“It’s unfair that they don’t have the chance to develop their skills or have some sort of social experience.

Arise Sports Club, looks to find and support talent.

“If we see someone who has exceptional skill, we will try and find a professional team for them so that they can develop their skill and progress.

“We pay for them to get the experience and the chance to play professionally.”

The sports sessions also play a vital role for parents who are given the opportunity to play alongside their children and socialise with other people in the community.

“Asylum seeker and refugee communities are constantly growing in Bradford and these sessions allow parents and children to meet new people and to learn about other people who have fled from their homes."

Many feel as though the government is not doing enough to support this ever-growing group.

The sessions are all funded through donations from local businesses, but Bradford Foundation Trust are applying for funding.

This sports club allows children to come together, learn and have fun, where they previously wouldn’t have that opportunity.

“Some of the girls tell me that they don’t like participating in PE lessons at school and we are trying to build their confidence and encourage them to take part.

Shaymaa Havass, a parent whose children attend the sports club said: “This is a first for us.

“Since we’ve been in the UK we have never been outside or gone anywhere.

“The children go to school; they go to the centre, and they come home.

“This club has been fantastic, and my children have really enjoyed it.”

Gulsoom and the other members of the Bradford Foundation Trust aim to help the asylum seeker and refugee community in as ways possible, whether that be providing furniture or clothes.

Gulsoom said: “We need to be going out on a limb for this community because we can only imagine what they have been through and what they have seen."

The club are looking for local businesses to get in contact if they can offer any funding or support.