Sports

Football

Football is the world’s most popular sport because it’s fun and accessible – and that’s the way it should stay. 

But because we know there are multiple barriers to participation, particularly for people from refugee, asylum-seeking and minority ethnic backgrounds, we do all we can to take these barriers down. 

Our football sessions for men provide a level playing-field, regardless of language, religion or anything else. We hold regular sessions. To find out more, contact info@glasgowafghanunited.co.uk.

We have also built strong links with other clubs, including professional sides and we value our relationships with the Scottish Football Association, the Scottish Unity Football League, the Celtic FC Foundation, the Rangers Charity Foundation and other key partners.

Youth & Children's Football

With tailored groups for children aged 5 to 7 years, 8 to 11 years, and 12 to 15 years, everyone is welcome to lace their trainers at Glasgow Afghan United. Training sessions are weekly and all groups are run by SFA-certified coaches.

Prior to playing any games, teams receive coaching in cooperation with Rangers FC and supported by Glasgow Sport.

The project provides help and support for boys and girls of ethnic minority backgrounds and for children in local communities. These sessions keep children fit and active as they learn new skills and make friends.

Refugee Festival Football Tournament

First held in 2012, this summer celebration of sport is one of GAU’s flagship initiatives. Last time more than 300 players from over 50 nations took part in a spirited event that promotes anti-discriminatory values by providing a safe platform for multi-ethnic interaction, helping to eliminate stereotypes and pull down barriers around race, religion, nationality, age, sexual orientation and more within the wider community.

Established in collaboration with the Scottish Unity Football League, it attracts support and sponsorship from across Scotland. This year’s tournament will be held on July 2. Click here to register.

Taekwondo

Working in partnership with GTF Taekwon-do, GAU offers classes in this Korean martial art for children of all ages.

Learning martial arts is a great way to increase skills, confidence, self-esteem and the sense of independence.

Increasing opportunities for our younger community members is central to GAU’s mission. One size doesn’t fit all, so we provide a range of options for families.

Badminton

Inclusive, free and just for women – GAU’s badminton initiative is run in partnership with Glasgow Sport.

These sessions are intended for women of Afghan descent or any other ethnic minority group where women may be isolated, underrepresented and/or facing challenges with integrating in Glasgow. The course is geared towards beginners with little or limited badminton experience and aims to boost the confidence and skill levels of the group.

It also gives women a chance to lead – a volunteer who has completed her Badminton Basics course will lead and guide our regular weekly sessions in the future, and we aim to expand to free parent and child after-school sessions.

Cricket

GAU is a proud member of Maryhill and Summerston Community Sports Hub which is funded through Sportscotland. Organised by Glasgow Sport and Cricket Scotland, we held a fun, inclusive and free wickets cricket programme for boys and girls and aged 8-18 years.

And young people from all backgrounds attended our All-Stars cricket sessions, also supported by Cricket Scotland. We aim is restart these sessions post-Covid and establish regular cricket activities in the local area.

GAU welcomes the international Cricket team of Afghanistan

Glasgow Afghan United has had the honour of hosting the international cricket team of Afghanistan in our home city of Glasgow.

We organised a get together at the award-winning Afghan restaurant Namak Mandi and enjoyed delicious food and great company.

Other Services

Cultural Programmes & Events

Afghan Resettlement Project

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