Tavistock College’s 9 Ukrainian students have moved to Devon to escape the war going on in their home country and are just a few of an estimated two million children who have been forced to flee Ukraine since the Russian invasion in February.

They were united though by their love of football and teacher Chloe Carrubba contacted Argyle to see if they could offer some support. Chloe had the privilege of taking the 9 Ukrainian Refugee students to Plymouth Argyle where they were welcomed with open arms by the club and played on the pitch after a stadium tour.

She said: “Many of these kids have experienced many difficult and distressing things recently and all of them came to this country with just one backpack of belongings. I found when talking to all of them that they are all connected through football. I wanted to show them the best club in the world and today has been just the most amazing experience for all of them. It has been wonderful for me, to see them genuinely happy, excited about something and feel so welcome in the community.”

The hour-long session, which included a special visit from Argyle manager Steven Schumacher, saw the kids put through their paces with dribbling, passing and shooting drills.

Chloe said “I meant every word when I told the Club that these are nine of the most resilient and amazing students I have ever met. They all went home in brand new argyle coats and kits and proudly told me this was ‘the best day in England they have ever had’. Thank you Plymouth Argyle”.

Chloe Carrubba,
Teacher of English at Tavistock College