UWS student helps kit out dream team

A UWS student has helped kit out a Glasgow football team ahead of an important refugee tournament scheduled for this weekend.

Adam Paterson, who studies politics and policy at the University’s Paisley campus and volunteers for Positive Action in Housing, has secured a range of sponsorships and donations for football kit for the ‘Dream Team’ he set up last year.

He said: “I’m delighted to have been able to secure full football kits for the Dream Team, which has meant they can play in this important Refugee Festival and tournament.

I set up the Dream Team during my time volunteering for the Positive Action in Housing charity as a way to ensure the guys had the opportunity to socialise through sport. I’m so pleased they’ve been able to take part in the tournament and I look forward to seeing what the future holds for the team.

Adam Paterson, UWS student

The football team includes three survivors from the Park Inn attack in Glasgow, and is made up of individuals from countries including Sierra Leone, Kenya and the Ivory Coast.

Adam set up the team while volunteering for the charity and helping people from Glasgow city centre hotels move into dispersal flats, and responding to requests for assistance and support from the asylum-seeking community throughout the pandemic.

Sunday’s game is part of the Refugee Tournament Scotland, which is organised by Glasgow Afghan United in collaboration with the Scottish Unity Football League. The tournament aims to bring local and refugee communities together to enjoy the “beautiful game” and make new connections, as well as providing a platform to raise awareness of the journeys and difficulties faced by new Scots communities.

The tournament involves mixed teams of ethnic minority groups, asylum-seekers, refugees and local communities.

Adam added: “I want to wish the Dream Team and all involved in the Refugee Festival and Tournament the very best of luck and extend a huge thank everyone who donated and sponsored the team to help them get there.”

We are incredibly proud of Adam for his amazing efforts in not only creating the football team, but for his work with local charities and his sponsorship and fundraising drive. Adam's passion for and contribution to the team and tournament perfectly embodies our values here at UWS, and demonstrates how, through the values of the University and the commitment and actions of our staff and students, UWS is an anchor institution for our local communities in the West of Scotland and beyond. Well done Adam and good luck to the Dream Team!

Professor Jonathan Powles,Vice Principal, Learning, Teaching and Students at UWS

Sportswear brand, Rival Kit, made the strips for the Dream Team for free, and also designed and made strips for the other five teams in the tournament. The Insurance Helpline sponsored the six strips.

You can find out more by visiting Adam’s Go Fund Me page here.