Changing Lives FC, based in Harlow, Essex, are a football squad made of entirely migrant, asylum seekers or refugee. Every training session, and during every game, you can hear around a dozen different languages. They have all either fled war, terror or they are in desperate search of a better life. They are young men left to fend for themselves who would be extremely vulnerable in our society.

The team was originally created two years ago by a local social worker as a way of bringing positivity into their lives. But, as word began to spread, the team soon became overwhelmed with the number of young migrants wanting to be a part of it…. That's where club manager David Simmons came in. David began a journey like no other alongside his players in the second division of the Harlow and District League.

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 Essex Alliance League, Step 7, competing against other teams most weeks playing high-quality football.