A FORMER professional Iranian footballer is not letting his refugee status deter him from making a mark in the world of grassroots football. 

Yousef Yousefi, who arrived at Carlisle's Hilltop Hotel five months ago, comes with a remarkable footballing background, having played midfield for professional Iranian clubs such as Mes Rafsanjan and Bargh Shiraz FC as well as having played at national youth level.

The 34-year-old has become an integral part of UniSun Social FC, where he plays on a weekly basis.

“It’s a very nice city, full of great people.

"It’s very important to me to play football I wouldn’t have football if it wasn’t for UniSun Social FC," Yousef said. 

News and Star: Yousef has played professional for around six teams in Iran as well as at national youth level. Yousef has played professional for around six teams in Iran as well as at national youth level. (Image: Supplied)

With a love for all things Manchester City and their coach, Pep Guardiola, Yosef hopes to bring his coaching expertise to the UK.

His asylum status has temporarily thwarted this ambition however, but Multicultural Cumbria is working to process Yousef's DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) fingerprint check, enabling him to get back on the sidelines.

Recently, Yousef was reunited with his former coach Agil Pourang, from Bandar Abbas Municipality, in Manchester, which he described as a very ‘inspiring’ moment.

UniSun Social FC head coach, Jon Stewart, said it’s been ‘fantastic’ to have Yousef involved with the club, with him representing what the club is all about.

News and Star: Yousef pictured coaching in Iran Yousef pictured coaching in Iran (Image: Supplied)

“We are an inclusive club, and Yousef is one of the lads – he’s an integral part of the squad, committed, turns up every week. The lads have really taken to him.

“He’s been trying to teach us Farsi for some key terms on the football pitch, 'man-on' and the likes.

“He’s an outstanding footballer. Everything he’s been through in his life, what he’s never lost is his passion for football,” he said.

With people seeking asylum receiving only £8 per week in the UK, without the club, Yousef would not be able to play competitively.

Like with all squad players, the club, through sponsorships, pays players' games for the season, subsidises kit costs, and also pays for match referees.

“There are financial constraints, players do have problems with family and work, but football should be a place full of fun where people can laugh and smile and not worry about money,” Jon added.

Multicultural Cumbria’s asylum and refugee coordinator Laura Cooper said: “Without UniSun Social FC, Yousef wouldn’t be able to play. I’ve seen the guys with Yousef – he’s one of the guys, it’s wonderful to see how welcome they have made him to the team.”

“Thank you to Laura, Helen and Jon for help finding my new team,” Yousef said.

UniSun Social FC were set to play their first competitive game of the season on Sunday (September, 3) after picking up momentum during preseason.

Multicultural Cumbria is working with Carlisle Refugee Action Group (CRAG) to help other people seeking asylum in the city to play football and would welcome any donations of football boots or kit to allow more people to enjoy the game.