SOME of Inverclyde's newest residents pulled on their football boots for a special five-a-side tournament to mark refugee week.

Asylum seekers and New Scots took part in local charity Your Voice’s annual United 5s tournament, which was played at Lady Octavia Sport Centre in Greenock. 

Teams from local charities such as Moving On Inverclyde, Man On Inverclyde and Jericho House also took part in the competition.

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After a busy afternoon on the field the players sat down for a meal and took time to socialise with each other.

Greenock Telegraph: Asylum seekers and New Scots pulled on their football boots a special five-a-side tournament to
Kevin Begley, community connector at Your Voice, told the Tele: “The tournament helped bring the community together in unity and in an inclusive manner.

“Prizes for the team winners and individual awards for best player were given out, but the afternoon was more of a success by just giving people the chance to play a sport they love, to mix and socialise, then get some well-deserved food afterwards.”

Greenock Telegraph: Asylum seekers and New Scots pulled on their football boots a special five-a-side tournament to

Ayman Khalan, who is originally from Syria, was one of those who took part in the competition.

He said he was delighted to have got the chance to play alongside his fellow residents from Greenock’s Holiday Inn, where dozens of asylum seekers are currently being housed while their applications are proocessed.

The hotel was requisitioned last year by the UK Government to house the asylum seekers, with Inverclyde Council and social care contractor Mears working alongside them to support those staying there.

Mr Khalan has been at the hotel for 14 months and says he has been made to feel very welcome by the local community.

Greenock Telegraph: Asylum seekers and New Scots pulled on their football boots a special five-a-side tournament to

He added: “I’m happy to be playing with friendly people in Greenock in such lovely weather.

“I’m here with my friends from the Holiday Inn hotel, it’s been a great day so far.

“We’re all good friends in there.

“This is a good chance to get out and meet people, I’ve not had the chance to play football since last year.

"In the future, I’d like to do it more.”