Hilltop United FC made the journey from Carlisle to play within a Justice First 5-a-side tournament in Middlesbrough last weekend, fielding two teams (United & City). 

United claimed third spot in the competition, which included 20 teams - mainly including refugees and people seeking asylum - playing in a tournament that saw over 20 different nationalities represented.

Hilltop United FC are a collection of football loving asylum seekers, based in Carlisle, and supported by Carlisle Refugee Action Group’s Chris Middleton, who also acts as the team manager, to participate in regular football training sessions and matches.

Expand

The club have received support from Cumberland FA in helping establish Hilltop United as a registered club, with the FA and Cumberland FA's Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Director, Nigel Davidson, in attendance at the tournament.

Nigel states: "Hilltop City played amazingly well with 3 great wins in the group stage and were unlucky to go out at the Quarter Final stage. Whilst Hilltop United made it through to the Semi-Final stage after 4 wins in the group and a Quarter Final win, narrowly losing the Semi-Final, but winning the 3/4 play off game versus Darlington and coming home with a bronze medal for their efforts.

“Special thanks go to Carlisle Matters, The British Red Cross, Tiffany, Tresor & Catherine and also to Justice First for organising the tournament. I think that they’re already looking forward to next year’s competition."