A REFUGEE football team is now playing with pride after receiving a new kit.

Swindon United were presented with the new strip by the Lalbagh curry house at the Broadgreen Community Centre, in Salisbury Street.

The players say they feel they have now been given an identity.

Helped by Broadgreen-based Harbour Project, the squad brings together players aged from18 to 45, training every weekend at St Joseph’s Catholic College.

Ian Howard, a co-ordinator of the project, got in touch with Abdul Amin, the owner of Lalbagh, to ask for help in providing the kit.

He said: “I soon realised that the team hadn’t got a kit and I thought this was ridiculous, so I got in contact with a couple of different people who were more than happy to help out.

“The event was really exciting, and you could see how much it meant to them and when they tried the strips on you could see how proud they were.

“To be accepted and have that kit symbolises that they have an identity and are the same as anyone else.”

Ian also housed a refugee as part of the Swindon City of Sanctuary hosting scheme.

“Being a part of a team and building friendship and support is helping them create a new future and gives them a new family. Swindon has become their home after they have had to go through what some people would consider the worst nightmare.

“This is a very proud day for all involved.”

The footballers opted for the blue and white hoops style kit, as sported by Queens Park Rangers.

Swindon United coach Albano Santana said: “It’s very important for us to have people willing to help our football programme and we are very proud of our new sponsor and football kit.”

The shirts will show the logo of the curry house.

Mr Amin said: “To have the opportunity to support the Harbour Project was one I am incredibly proud of being a part of. It does an incredible job helping refugees from war-torn countries, I admire the work they do.

“Helping those people through the struggles they face is something we could not say no to.

“This will help them have a piece of happiness and who knows they could be a star player for England one day.”

Mayor of Swindon Junab Ali said: “Our refugees have very little and if we do not help them, how are they going to change and feel part of society and our community?

“I was very glad to be asked to be involved in this project and to help facilitate this generous donation by Abdul Amin.”

The team is now looking for friendly matches to play.

SWINDON’S refugee football team have been given an identity and team colours to represent them thanks to curry house Lalbagh who have sponsored them football kits.

The coach and his players from Swindon United the refugee football team attended the ceremony unveiling the kits at the Broadgreen Community Centre, in Salisbury Street.

This was the first time anyone had seen the kit since designs were agreed.