{"id":48112,"title":"Kitunlocker: Changing Lives FC","description":"Changing Lives FC were founded as the UK's first football club comprised solely of refugee players. Find out more about their mission with Kitunlocker.","content":"

A few weeks ago we launched <\/span><\/strong>Kitunlocker<\/u><\/span><\/strong><\/a>. A campaign to give clubs that have a purpose away from the pitch the opportunity to tell their story, and let the world know what they\u2019re all about.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>

We\u2019ve linked up with some amazing clubs that make a big difference to their players and their communities. However, they sometimes need a leg up with their kit. So we\u2019re helping out there too.<\/span><\/p>

First, we heard from SC Wanderers FC. An 11-a-side team from Sheffield, determined to help their players shed the pounds and adopt a healthier lifestyle through playing football.<\/span><\/p>

Next up, it\u2019s Changing Lives FC from Essex (and beyond). This is their story.<\/span><\/p>

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Changing Lives FC<\/strong><\/h2>

The mission of <\/span>Changing Lives FC<\/u><\/span><\/a> is fairly simple to explain. It\u2019s in the name.<\/span><\/p>

The club was founded by David Simmons, after an encounter with a troubled youngster left him feeling like he needed to do something to help the young people of his community, particularly refugees.<\/span><\/p>

Now, several years later, Changing Lives FC are going from strength to strength on and off the pitch. The team is home to players from multiple countries, speaking a variety of languages, all united by the power of the beautiful game.<\/span><\/p>

\"uanwtjljkpo8zygqlgifayup9pz0acslngkbo0fej81v7qtr.png.jpg?w=1140&h=auto\"<\/p>

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Their aim is to ensure that refugees arriving in the UK are encouraged down the right path and away from negative lifestyles such as gang culture. The club also builds friendships between people from all over the globe and provides an escape from some of the experiences that they\u2019ve endured.<\/span><\/p>

What the club has achieved in such a short period of time with limited resources is a testament to David\u2019s passion and hard-work. But it hasn\u2019t been without it\u2019s challenges, as he explained when we had a chat with him at <\/span>Kitlocker.com<\/span><\/a> HQ.<\/span><\/p>

David is fully aware of how a proper team kit can bring unity and a sense of belonging. As well as the confidence that looking good on the pitch brings to players.<\/span><\/p>

\u201cIt\u2019s not just a kit, it\u2019s not just a shirt. It sends out a wider message\u201d<\/span><\/p>

The new Changing Lives FC shirt proudly features a message of kindness in seven different languages, representing the ethos and the diversity of the club.<\/span><\/p>

\u201cWhen they put the kit on they feel part of the community, they feel part of the wider network and that\u2019s what\u2019s so important. That\u2019s what is so key about our organisation and our club.\u201d<\/span><\/p>

\"58s11yyc02f17m60tapwckmntlhmqtl4z0rqzfwit3nwddh7.png.jpg?w=1140&h=auto\"<\/p>

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