Changing Lives FC

Changing Lives FC, based in Harlow, Essex, are a football squad made of entirely migrant, asylum seekers or refugee. Every training session, and during every game, you can hear around a dozen different languages. They have all either fled war, terror or they are in desperate search of a better life. They are young men left to fend for themselves who would be extremely vulnerable in our society.

The team was originally created two years ago by a local social worker as a way of bringing positivity into their lives. But, as word began to spread, the team soon became overwhelmed with the number of young migrants wanting to be a part of it…. Thats where club manager David Simmons came in. David began a journey like no other alongside his players in the second division of the Harlow and District League.

The football club provides these young people with a chance to socialise, have fun and exercise while forming long-lasting bonds through the medium of sport. Going from strength to strength through teamwork and determination, Changing Lives FC now play in the Essex Alliance League, Step 7, competing against other teams most weeks playing high-quality football

The first team to be made up of Refugees and Migrants in the UK

David Simmons - Club Chairman

“When I met the team, it was fantastic. They are technically brilliant – they are gifted players – and the only thing they lacked was the knowledge of the game. It was simple things like the offside rule and throw-ins and the first season was hard.”

Sanchit Singh - Club Manager

“Leading Changing Lives FC makes me proud and determined. Our players, refugees who've faced unimaginable adversity, have shown that they can compete and win against teams from well-established clubs. Their resilience inspires me daily. We are looking forward to building a professional setup. We are not just developing a football club – we're crafting a beacon of hope and unity. Kudos to David Simmons for bringing everyone together and creating such a project. Together, we'll prove that passion, diversity, and perseverance can overcome any obstacle, on and off the pitch.”

76%

of refugees and asylum seekers report experiencing social isolation due to language barriers and cultural differences—our league helps bridge this gap through sport.