‘Always pray and never give up. Things will eventually get better.’
We’re proud to share how one of our UASC (Unaccompanied Asylum-Seeking Children) Supported Housing residents has been called up to join the Ilkeston Town FC Academy in September 2025, a remarkable achievement that highlights the opportunities available to young people through YMCA.
At just 16 years old, Suzdar arrived in the UK alone from Syria in 2024 and unsure where to go. Shortly after his arrival, he was referred to us at YMCA by government services, where he was quickly offered safe accommodation and the support he needed to begin rebuilding his life.
Suzdar’s Early Passion for the Game
Suzdar has had a passion for football since childhood, with a deep love for the game that began in his home country. Growing up, he eagerly participated in every opportunity to play, driven by his fascination with all things football.
However, in his home country, there were limited resources and opportunities to nurture and develop his skills, which made it challenging for him to progress as a footballer. Despite these obstacles, his determination and passion for the sport never faded.
When asked about his role models in football, Suzdar revealed, ‘Neymar is my main role model, because I like how he plays, and I try to mimic that and how he acts towards the different challenges.’
Impact of YMCA Housing
When asked about his experience at YMCA and the support he received both personally and professionally, Suzdar shared:
“YMCA provided me with safe accommodation, and my Support Worker, Daniel, played a big part in helping me gain access to what I needed to progress. He also encouraged me to take the leap and try out for the team.”
At YMCA UASC, we provide safe accommodation for Unaccompanied Asylum-Seeking Children, either in our dedicated UASC house, which hosts up to five young people, or in other supported housing options.
We offer tailored support to children aged 16-17 throughout the duration of their asylum claim, including assistance with education, language development, healthcare, finances, and independent living skills.
Suzdar is currently studying Maths and English, and he’s already making impressive progress. His commitment to both his education and football shows his determination to build a well-rounded future, balancing academic growth with his love for the sport.
Ilkeston Town Academy Opportunity
When asked about how this incredible opportunity came about, Suzdar shared that his support worker, Daniel, gave him the sign-up details and encouraged him to take a chance and try out.
When Suzdar learned he had been offered a place, he described feeling overwhelmed with disbelief at the chance to pursue his dream of becoming a professional footballer—an opportunity that brings him one step closer to following in the footsteps of his idol, Neymar.
When asked about memorable moments with coaches or teammates that have shaped his approach to football, Suzdar shared, “My initial trials were a key moment for me, as I felt that was when my journey truly began.”
Nottingham Forest Interest
In an exciting turn of events, Suzdar has also caught the attention of Nottingham Forest’s Head of Emerging Talent and they’re keen to assess his potential further, which could lead to an exclusive invitation for an internal trial at the Nottingham Forest Academy!
When asked about how this makes him feel, Suzdar explained:
‘A possibility with Nottingham Forest will be a dream come true. If I could get just one chance, I’d demonstrate my full potential.’
The Road Ahead: Suzdar’s Aspirations for the Future
When asked about his goals for the next few years, Suzdar shared, “I’m focused on training hard to earn a spot in a professional league, but I also want to complete my college education because I know how important it is for my future, both on and off the field.”
It is inspirational to see young people in our services succeed to their full potential and we’re proud to offer the support they need to achieve this.
When asked what advice he would give to other young people facing similar uncertain situations, Suzdar offered, ‘To always pray and never give up. Things will eventually get better.’
If you or someone you know is facing the same experience or is in need of support, don’t hesitate to reach out—help is here, and you’re not alone. With the right support, you can unlock your potential and, like Suzdar, take steps toward a brighter, more promising future.
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