Pompey have teamed up with the Red Cross to welcome 11 young refugees to today’s game against Shrewsbury.
This is part of the club’s support for the Kick It Out initiative, football’s equality and inclusion organisation.
The Hampshire Young Refugees Together project is run by British Red Cross staff and volunteers.
The group of young people will be attending the game and having a tour of the ground, organised by the club’s head of inclusion Colin Farmery.
He said: “This is the second year we have run this project and we have had some tremendous feedback about its effectiveness in helping young refugees feel part of their community. As it is our Kick It Out game today, it seemed an appropriate time to do this again.
“As a club, we are at the heart of the Portsmouth and we very much want to see Pompey as a place where everyone in our community can feel welcome. We hope these youngsters will enjoy their day and go on to be supporters of the club.”
Savita Lapper, one of the project workers, added: “HYRT is open to young asylum seekers and refugees aged 15-25.
“We organise a variety of different activities each month, including maths, English and science study sessions which help the young people prepare for exams, as well as once monthly activities such as bowling and, this month, a trip to Pompey’s stadium.
“Activities such as these are extremely important to ensure that the young people are able to progress into adult life with all the skills and knowledge they need.
“We also provide welfare case-work should they wish to access it, allowing a focus on advocacy and ensuring that they become aware of their rights.
"Activities such as these are extremely important to ensure that the young people are able to progress into adult life."
“It is important for us to have strong links with the community to ensure that vital activities such as these can happen, as well as helping young people integrate into the local community and develop accordingly.
“We also work holistically to ensure that they are sign-posted to the appropriate services.”