On Saturday, the UK's 'first' official asylum seeker football team faced Cumbria's NHS staff in a thrilling match supporting local diversity.

Hilltop United FC, a team that officially became affiliated with the Football Association (FA) back in September 2023, triumphed with a 3-1 victory against NHS International FC in Whitehaven (August 17).

The lineup of Hilltop United has entirely evolved from its outset, with significant changes coming after Christmas when hotels housing people seeking refuge and asylum were closed throughout Carlisle. 

Chris Middleton, coach and Carlisle Refugee Action Group trustee, said the 'team is changing every week' with new players joining from the likes of Sudan, Afghanistan and north Syria. 

"One of the lads even had his doctor playing against him on Sunday," he said. 

“But the players are inspired when they look at the NHS team. The men want to work and be part of something and make their roots here. Then they meet people who have already done it,” he said.

The team represents part of the 200 people currently seeking refuge and asylum in Carlisle. 

Chris, who also just received a Cumberland FA Award 2024, spoke on how the club has developed since its beginning at the back of the Hilltop Hotel.

“We started small, now we’ve got kits, lots of support from the community, such as Botcherby Community Centre where we train – the lads do feel part of Botcherby.

“Football is a way of expressing themselves and showing skills but also being part of a team. Interacting with other teams and supporters, they feel welcomed," he said. 

Carlisle United EDI officer Nigel Davidson, who was present on the day of the match, applauded the high spirit exhibited throughout the game, further cemented by the fusion of cultures.

"The level of integration was typified by seeing local kids from the area playing with the children from the NHS team in the adjoining play park," he said. 

Hilltop United FC, along with the Border City Greens, to whom many Hilltop players return during the winter, Cumbria Police, and the North West Ambulance, are expected to compete in an upcoming tournament in Carlisle.