In recent weeks Port Vale has been working with groups from the Sanctus St Mark's project based in Stoke-on-Trent which supports newly arrived refugees and asylum seekers.

Many of these young people and adults are keen to be involved in local projects while they await decisions about their future.

The Club has negotiated time and expertise from Burslem based Staffordshire Creamware Pottery in Wedgwood Street where children who live within two miles of the stadium have learned about the history of the pottery industry and been able to paint pieces provided by the owner and season ticket holder Keith Dawson. 

These will then be glazed and presented to the children.

The children have also taken part in multi-sports in the refurbished academy sports hall organised by Port Vale FC Foundation Trust Manager, Tom Sherratt. 

Families then enjoyed lunch at the stadium.

All the boys from the families who originate from war-torn Syria and other parts of Africa are keen on football but have been unable to watch games in their own country as stadia have been taken over by the government and the national team have to play their games abroad.

The Club invited a group who are based locally to watch the Blackpool game on 24th November (see photo).

The church minister Rev Sally Smith and the Sanctus programme co-ordinator Jayne Knapper have sent a message to the club thanking staff for the warm welcome they received and the hope that links between the project and the football club will continue in the future.