Hilltop United FC, a team composed of men seeking asylum and refuge in and around Carlisle, made their debut in the Cumberland FA’s new social inclusion and wellbeing league over the weekend. 

The squad, assembled by Carlisle Refugee Action Group’s Chris Middleton, was previously recognised as the UK’s first official asylum seeker team after becoming affiliated with the Football Association (FA).

They took their name from Carlisle’s Hilltop Hotel, where they were once housed. 

The squad took on Whitehaven’s Tubby FC, edging themselves a 3-2 victory in a tight game. 

“We were 3 nil up but Tubby FC came back in the second half with it finishing 3-2,” Chris said. 

“It was a very defensive game, with it mostly played in the middle of the pitch,” he said. 

Hilltop is currently made up a mixture of nationalities, including a new player to the squad from Sierra Leone. 

The division has six entries with three teams entering on a recreational basis, including a team made up of international NHS staff throughout Cumbria. 

This weekend, it’s expected to be a tight match as the squad will be taking on Carlisle City Deaf who recently clinched a 2-1 victory against Tubby FC in the league’s opening fixture. 

The club has recently welcomed the addition of a new coach, Jonny Mason, but is appealing for others to get involved. 

“I’ve managed for two years, Jonny has come around just at the right time,” Chris said. “But another coach to join us on a voluntary basis would be wonderful.” 

The main duties include sorting equipment, assisting with weekly training, and organising the team on match days.

No previous experience is necessary.

To find out more, you can contact Hilltop United on Facebook.