From Libya To Newcastle

 Majed, England

Founded in 2005, Hat-Trick is a sports-based social project working with 1500 young people each week in the most deprived areas of Newcastle in the UK. Hat-Trick’s objective is to strengthen the societal ties and to reduce prejudice amongst different communities across Newcastle. The organisation uses football to further the integration of refugees and enable them to use their existing skills and knowledge to give back to the local community through volunteering and assisting with sport sessions. Each week Hat-Trick delivers a session linked to social outcomes where participants have conversations on issues of integration, hate crime, extremism, racism and bigotry.

Can you tell us your personal story?

My name is Majed. I am a student from Newcastle studying in Northumbria University on the Computer Science course. I came to England in 2006 so I was 8 at the time. I used to play football nearly every day in the streets back at home in Libya. My father decided to study in Newcastle for his PhD in 2006. We were planning on going back to Libya in 2011, but a civil war happened, and it wasn't safe to go back, so now we live in the UK.

What did you try to show with the photos? Was there any wider meaning with the photos?

I like to help people by any means possible. North East Solidarity and Teaching (N.E.S.T) is a student-led project at Newcastle University Students Union (NUSU). I joined N.E.S.T to help less fortunate people who were affected by crisis back at home by teaching them English. I also enjoy playing football, and when the opportunity came to take the boys from N.E.S.T to play football, I took it and it really means a lot to me and the students.

These photos were taken in St John's Primary school in Newcastle on the 3G pitch. They show how our students enjoy playing football and how they all come together as one to play a game of football, and thanks to Hat-Trick, it is possible to do so. They include the people that come to our N.E.S.T community sessions during the week. They come to us to either learn English or do extracurricular activities like football and arts. 

Why is football important to you? 

Football is important to me, because ever since I was 6 years old, I played it all the time, even more so when I moved to the UK. It makes me really happy and it allows me to make new friends and keep myself fit and healthy.

What role does football play in your life at the moment?

At the moment football does not have a big role in my life unfortunately, as I am focused on studying and working. But when I get the chance to play, I take it and make the most of it. 

What ambitions do you have for the future?

I hope to have as many students from N.E.S.T come to the Hat-Trick football sessions. I really hope that I can make a team out of them and take them to play in leagues and competitions.