Football unites
198. David Feindouno
A sports fanatic refugee uses football to unite communities in Plymouth.
David’s outstanding work in the local community began after he arrived in the area in 2008 with the help of the Red Cross, after a brutal attack in his native Guinea.
On arrival in Plymouth, David launched various free football activities to bring people from different ethnic groups and social backgrounds together, . The activities flourished and together with other volunteers he founded the Plymouth Hope charity to unite communities in the city. With the Plymouth Hope Football Club as its central focus, the charity works extensively with young people, immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers, promoting inclusion and running programmes on diversity. The charity also provides mentoring and runs community wide events and training programmes. Plymouth Hope FC has an adult team and offers programmes for under 18s and under 14s and the charity is now looking to expand its work internationally.
Prime Minister David Cameron said:
“David’s work has had a huge impact in Plymouth and he thoroughly deserves this Point of Light award. His work has reached thousands of people across his community and I commend him for his tremendous efforts.”
David Feindouno said:
“The inspiration of our work was initially to support refugees and asylum seekers in the area and to help them to get to know people and keep them busy. Now we do much more than that and we also work to educate the wider community on diversity and inclusion issues. We’ve worked with thousands of people over the years and we are very proud of the impact we have made.”