Challenging Refugee Stereotypes

26.01.26

Sabriah Nawroozi - The journey from Afghanistan to Harrogate FC 

Sabriah Nawroozi, a former Afghan national youth football team captain, fled Afghanistan in 2021 after the Taliban seized power and banned women's sports.

Her journey to safety in North Yorkshire, involved a flight funded by reality TV star Kim Kardashian, assistance from Leeds United FC, and her former team captain Khalida Popal.

Learn more about Sabriah's journey here, and by watching the video below.

19.01.26

Rita Ora: It's important to remind people I came to the UK as a refugee

Rita Ora was born in Pristina in Yugoslavia (now known as Kosovo) in 1990 to Albanian parents.

In 1991 (when she was only 1 year old), Rita’s family were forced to leave their home for fear of persecution. Her parents left behind everything they knew and moved Rita, Don (her brother) and Elena (her sister) to London to keep them safe.

Rita has gone on to famously write, record and release lots of music, becoming an award winning singer and performing worldwide. She has also appeared in films, on television and designed clothing and accessories in collaboration with different brands.

Learn more about Rita's incredible journey here, and by watching the video below.

12.01.26

Alphonso Davies’ journey from a refugee camp to a world football star with Bayern Munich & Canada

Alphonso Davies is a world-class Canadian professional football player, known for his exceptional speed and dribbling ability as a left-back or winger for Bayern Munich and the Canadian men's national team.

His inspiring journey began in a Ghanaian refugee camp before his family moved to Canada when he was five years old.

Here is a short video, commissioned by Nike, where Alphonso Davies outlines finding his place.