FOOTBALLERS will be able to see clearly thanks to a donation from a Reading-based charitable foundation.
The Sanctuary Strikers Football Club is Berkshire’s only team comprising refugees.
Established in 2017, the club aims to promote integration by bringing together refugees and non-refugees to play football in the spirit of unity.
The club’s Chairman, Tomson Chauke, reached out to the John Sykes Foundation for help with floodlights – these would enable them to train outside at Palmer Park in Reading to reduce costs for hiring training grounds, however, they did not have the funding to do so.
Mr Chauke said hiring training grounds costs six times the cost of the lights that can be used for more seasons to come.
Earlier this month, members of the Sykes family visited Palmer Park to present the five floodlights to the team, enjoy watching them train, and join in.
It is not the first time the Foundation has helped the Sanctuary Strikers: it partnered with the University of Reading with a grant for a new football kit, costs for pitch hire, and hosting the Refugee Week Community Cup Football Tournament in 2022 and 2023.
John Sykes said: “I am honoured to present our grant to provide floodlights for the Sanctuary Strikers football team.
“Each team player has an inspiring story behind their lives, and it is moments like these which remind us that the journey, rather than the destination, is the reward, opening doors for the players to grow and unite together.
“The Sanctuary Strikers are such a talented team, and we hope this gesture elevates their football to new heights.”
And Mr Chauke said the club was grateful for the support.
“On behalf of the whole team at Sanctuary Strikers, I would like to say thank you very much for the continued support of the John Sykes Foundation,” he said.
“Your generosity will go a long way in building our team’s confidence and physical strength.
“I still cannot express how I feel about what you have done for us as a group. Your help is greatly appreciated.”
The Foundation welcomes applications for grants from Reading-based charities and groups.
For more details, log on to: www.johnsykesfoundation.org
