Photo courtesy of Pinnacle/The FA
ENGLAND C took a break from their preparations for tomorrow evening's friendly with Jordan Under-23 to spend time with young Jordanian and Syrian refugees.
Non-League's Three Lions signed autographs, posed for photos and handed out mementoes. The recent crisis in neighbouring Syria has seen more than 600,000 cross the borders into Jordan.
The session was requested by the British Embassy in conjunction with UNICEF and the FA. Simon Mustard, Deputy Ambassador at the British Embassy in Amman, said: “Football is a universal language, it's a cliché but it's true.
“Having the guys here to share their experiences is a really good opportunity. It's also an opportunity for us to
highlight the work the British Government is doing to support Jordan in dealing with the Syrian crisis.
“We're putting in lots of money and support with our partners and agencies, UNICEF and others, to try and make the
experience for kids in this part of the world greater than it is now.
“They're having to deal with war, hardship and economic tough times so anything like this makes a real difference.
“They're just kids like you and I can meet in the street in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland. They've had some horrific experiences and they've seen sights we possibly won't see in our lifetime back in the UK.
“A lot of them have had to shift across the border with their families in very tough circumstances. So giving them a sense of normality, something they can enjoy, and a bit of positivity in their lives can't be measured. It's something they will remember for the rest of their lives.”
After goalkeeping coach Mick Payne had led an energetic, and noisy, warm-up there was more light relief, with the 16-man squad split into four teams to manage the youngsters in a mini-tournament.
The round robin games saw the team managed by Luton striker Andre Gray, Forest Green's James Norwood, Barnet's Keanu Marsh-Brown and Cambridge playmaker Luke Berry emerge victorious.
Manager Paul Fairclough, who had earlier taken a coaching session for the Jordan Under-19 national team with Payne and assistant Steve Burr, said: “Obviously we come here to play an important game of football but anything like this is fantastic.
“These children have been through so much pain and agony. This is something they will never forget. They've probably smiled more today than they have in the last few years – it's a wonderful thing.
“I'm so proud of the England C players for immersing themselves with these Jordanian and Syrian refugees. It's a really proud day.”
Payne said: “After travelling all over the world, to work with the young kids of Jordan and especially the young children
from Syria, it's been an absolute pleasure to give something back and hopefully put a smile on the face of all these children. I do believe it is something I will remember forever along with the kids I coached.
“It's a real honour and a privilege to be involved with this wonderful fixture with the England C team.”
Toby Fricker, Communications Specialist at UNICEF, added: “For these young kids, from a mixture of communities, it's a great opportunity to come together and play football together.
“A lot of these kids come from vulnerable communities in east Amman, half of them are from Syria and have lived through conflict.
“Key to rebuilding the communities is they get the chance to mix with Jordanian kids and kids from other countries living in the area and really regain their childhood.
“They want to live normal childhood lives. Many of those have been disrupted through conflict and displacement and they don't get the opportunity to lead a life any child would – to go to school, interact with friends, go out with friends. Playing football really provides that opportunity. To have the England C team here is a real bonus and a great opportunity for them.
“These are the kids who are the future of their countries, who need to play a key role in society. Sports are part of that process and bringing people together.”
England C play Jordan on Tuesday – kick-off 3pm GMT.
