our Mo’s in a league of his own

In this latest Christmas campaign story about our work, Activities and Wellbeing Coordinator Osama introduces us to a football star (and not just on the pitch)!

When Mohamed (Mo) first joined our Canterbury football sessions, he was super shy, almost not engaging. The activity leader really worked hard on communicating with him and bridging the gap. Mo (17) started to gradually engage and his confidence went up - plus, his communication skills in English rapidly developed. 

In just six weeks, this has resulted in many positives: Mo now leads the team in the sessions, he gets other young people to join the football, and also refers them to our different services. 

This is alongside Mo reaching out to us to ask for support in other areas, including wellbeing, housing and education. 

Mo, from Egypt, first heard about KRAN football at our Learning for Life classes. He has been a big fan of the game since childhood and back home, used to play with his friends and neighbours. He supports Liverpool and his hero is - of course - fellow countryman, Mo Salah. 

Our Mo says he used to be ok at playing but has got so much better. But it’s also the social side of things he enjoys: he has met young people from countries including Sudan and Syria and has created new friendships, which has been such a good experience for him and rewarding for us.

Please help our activities and wellbeing work to continue by donating to our Christmas campaign. You can do this by clicking the link at the top of the page. Here are some examples of what your money can buy:

£10 = place at a sports’ activity for a young person

£50 = drama workshop for a group of young people to support their mental health

£100 = residential trip for one young person.