Reunited they stand

Posted in: News & Updates, United FC by Michael Pett on August 6, 2010

Hamilton, ON—The last week has been a busy one for United FC on both sides of the ocean. Both in England and in Canada, it has been difficult for coaches and team members to stay united with all the obstacles they have faced. But after an outpouring of support from Canadians across the country, United FC is finally together as a team in England. Read more…

An Update from Sokiri

Posted in: United FC by Sokiri Kenedy on

My day began when we arrived in London at 11:00 am Thursday morning. I was very happy when I saw Coach Mark and some of my teammates waiting for us at the airport. I was really tired, but after I saw the rest of the team, I forgot that I was tired because I was so happy and full of excitement. Read more…

The Hamilton Spectator: Coach goes extra mile for visas

Posted in: In the News by Kate Weersink on August 5, 2010

By: Carmelina Prete (The Hamilton Spectator, August 5, 2010)

A Hamilton soccer team of refugees denied a flight out of Canada to play in an overseas youth tournament are now set to arrive in England this morning.

It looks like a happy ending for the United FC team, whose coach drove from Hamilton to Ottawa and back yesterday to ask the British High Commission for emergency travel visas. Read more…

The Hamilton Spectator: Aid flows for refugee team’s dream trip

Posted in: In the News by Kate Weersink on August 4, 2010

By: Jenni Dunning (The Hamilton Spectator, August 4, 2010)

They are so close they can almost see the field, the roaring crowd and their waiting teammates.

An outpouring of donations from every province in Canada has helped a Hamilton soccer team of refugees raise more than $13,000 in four days toward the trip of a lifetime.

Now, United FC is hoping with fingers crossed their travel visas arrive in time to make the trip tonight to a United Kingdom youth tournament. Read more…

CityNews: Canadians Come Through for Refugee Soccer Team

Posted in: In the News by Kate Weersink on

(CityNews, August 4, 2010)

Almost a week after members of a refugee soccer team from Hamilton were denied access to their flight, they are finally getting ready to head to England for an international youth tournament.

Last Thursday, Air India staff barred eight members of United FC from boarding their flight because they didn’t have travel visas. In a meeting in May, officials from the British Consulate General advised them a permanent resident card and travel document from Ottawa would be enough. Read more…

Hope restored as Canadians raise $13,000

Posted in: News & Updates, United FC by Kate Weersink on August 3, 2010

Hamilton, ON—United FC is excited to announce that they have raised enough money to send the remaining eight players to England after a weekend filled with overwhelming national support and media coverage. In just four days, over $13,000 in donations have come pouring in from generous individuals, companies and communities across the country. Over 75 people from all ten provinces have made contributions over the past 72 hours, with donations spanning all the way from Clarenville, Newfoundland to Kelowna, British Columbia. Read more…