Liverpool football club empowers and unites refugee women.

For one Liverpool coach, football is about so much more than the game.

Comfort Growing up in Nigeria, Etim learned to play the beautiful game, and it triggered something in her.

She made it her mission to bring together refugee women in a safe space after seeking shelter in the UK as a teenager.

Comfort, now 38, is a Toxteth coach and mentor to 30 athletes.

Comfort Angels is a club that brings together people from many countries who have left conflicts, political regimes, and persecution.
"What makes football a beautiful game is its diversity," says Comfort, who lives in Dingle.

"I wanted to provide a space where women could express themselves," she says.

Comfort claims that after going through the asylum procedure, her teammates come to her and she can connect them to the appropriate organizations.

"We are a unit. We are there for one another and share in our joys "she continues.

"That moral support comes from me. The bulk of the ladies here simply want to be heard and listened to."

'We can do it as well'

After landing in the UK, goalkeeper ane Leshaj believes the program has benefited her "in so many ways."

"It was difficult at first," the 33-year-old admits, "especially when you don't speak the language and only have £39 per week to live on."

"Many women, including myself, aspired to be footballers but were unable to do so due to their diverse origins.

"This is to demonstrate to those who doubted us that we, too, can accomplish it."

'Football is absolute happiness'

Mansura, 30, arrived in the UK in 2018 to seek refuge, and she claims Comfort's team "satisfies her football love" and provides solace.

"It's a warm welcome, supporting friends, and a lot of fun," says the Liverpool FC supporter.

"Football is pure joy for me, and it dates back to my youth."

'Usher in more compassion' is the title of a documentary about Comfort's mission to create a haven for women in her club.

Shado, the film's makers, is a group of artists, activists, and journalists who use storytelling to bring people together around social justice issues.

"It is generally recognized that the asylum-seeking experience can be quite alienating," explains co-founder Isabella Pearce. "So, on a practical level, groups like this are so crucial for overcoming this and establishing community."

"Football is a great unifier in and of itself, but this club is extra unique because of Comfort."

"We'd like to believe that what's going on in Ukraine will open people's eyes to the many reasons why individuals seek refuge and that this will lead to more sympathy for all those who come to the UK."