A UNIVERSITY student has helped kit out a Glasgow football team ahead of a refugee tournament this weekend.

Adam Paterson secured a range of sponsorships and donations for football kit for the ‘Dream Team’ he set up last year.

Adam, who studies politics and policy at the University of the West of Scotland's Paisley campus, formed the team while volunteering for a charity during the Covid-19 pandemic.

He said: “I’m delighted to have been able to secure full football kits for the Dream Team, which has meant they can play in this important Refugee Festival and tournament.

“I set up the Dream Team during my time volunteering for the Positive Action in Housing charity as a way to ensure the guys had the opportunity to socialise through sport."

The student helped people move from Glasgow city centre hotels into dispersal flats and responded to requests for assistance and support from the asylum-seeking community during lockdown.

The football team includes three survivors from the Park Inn attack in Glasgow, and is made up of individuals from countries including Sierra Leone, Kenya and the Ivory Coast.

Adam added: "I’m so pleased they’ve been able to take part in the tournament and I look forward to seeing what the future holds for the team.

“I want to wish the Dream Team and all involved in the Refugee Festival and Tournament the very best of luck and extend a huge thank everyone who donated and sponsored the team to help them get there."

The game, held on Sunday in Toryglen, is part of the Refugee Tournament Scotland, which is organised by Glasgow Afghan United in collaboration with the Scottish Unity Football League.

The tournament aims to bring local and refugee communities together and make new connections, as well as providing a platform to raise awareness of the journeys and difficulties faced by new Scots communities.

The tournament involves mixed teams of ethnic minority groups, asylum-seekers, refugees and local communities.

Custom football strips were given to the team free of charge by Edinburgh-based sportswear brand Rival Kit.

Professor Jonathan Powles, vice principal of learning, teaching and students at UWS, said: “We are incredibly proud of Adam for his amazing efforts in not only creating the football team, but for his work with local charities and his sponsorship and fundraising drive.

"Well done Adam and good luck to the Dream Team.”

Further information can be found on Adam’s Go Fund Me page HERE.