To celebrate the 2022 World Cup FILA has partnered with Changing Lives FC. The first football team to be made up of Refugees and Migrants in the UK. FILA joined Changing Lives FC at one of their Saturday morning training sessions led by Club Manager, David Simmons.
Changing Lives is a community programme based in Harlow, Essex, offering different activities and workshops to support young people within the area. Founded by David Simmons, alongside Ben Doyle in 2017, the non- profit organisation aims to encourage young people towards a positive pathway through sport, mentoring and educational workshops working alongside schools and local youth initiatives within the area.
One of the many programmes run by Changing Lives is their football team made up of young refugees and migrants from across the world as well as members of the Harlow community. The team is comprised of over 11 different nationalities, with players coming from some of the most dangerous and war-torn regions. The football club provides these young people with a chance to socialise, have fun and exercise while forming long- lasting bonds through the medium of sport. Going from strength to strength through teamwork and determination, Changing Lives FC now play in the Harlow District League, competing against other teams most weeks playing high-quality football.
The new FILA Campaign aims to shine a light on this valuable community organisation through a series of player portraits, an action-packed video of a team training session, as well as an interview style video featuring Changing Lives Club Manager David Simmons speaking on the importance of community support through football.
Shot by Jasmina Wood, a variety of mediums are used from handy-cameras and super 8s capturing the essence of the team and what the club means to them and the community. David Simmons speaks on the importance and positive impact the club has for these young players.
“I am absolutely delighted to be partnering with FILA on this amazing collection. It’s a real ‘pinch yourself moment’andafantasticachievementforalloftheboys! Thisshinessuchapositivelightonrefugeesand migrants who go through so much. I thank FILA for supporting our team and giving us this amazing opportunity” David Simmons, Club Manager & Co-Founder of Changing Lives.
The campaign sees players wear the new Aaron Graphic Short Sleeved Tee, part of the FILA World Cup Collection. The tee features the iconic FILA logo alongside a flag compilation of competing countries in this year’s World Cup. Players can also be seen wearing the new Lavin Track Jacket with matching Sidney Pants.
Shop the AW22 World Cup Collection at Fila
ABOUT FILA
Over the last half-century, FILA has been there for iconic moments, accompanying extraordinary individuals in pursuit of sport – those who courageously challenge limits and defy expectations through a seamless combination of power and grace. From its humble textile beginnings in Biella, Italy in 1911 to its historic introduction of colour on the tennis court in 1973, the brand has always taken pride in creating designs as bold and breath-taking as its wearers. With a philosophy of innovation and a commitment to performance and sophistication, FILA continues to make a statement with styles that are novel in aesthetic and effective in function.
ABOUT CHANGING LIVES FC
Changing Lives is a non-profit Community Interest Company that increases physical activity in the community & prevents children from involvement in anti-social behaviour and gang activity through sports sessions, community and social development workshops. Their mission is to offer social, sporting and work experiences that will instill confidence and motivation for children and young people, providing them with opportunities and pathways for a positive future.
