An Interview with Kevan, Binny & James · Refugee Week 2025

James, Kevan and Binny met nearly two years ago at the evening football sessions hosted at Calthorpe Community Gardens for refugees and asylum seekers. At the time, Binny and Kevan were newcomers to London, learning English, adjusting to life in a new country, and living in a hostel. 

“I remember first meeting Kevan,” James says. “He seemed quiet and calm. Binny was always smiling, very friendly. We started playing football together, and then I could see how jokey and funny they were.” Kevan and Binny both came to the UK from Ethiopia and met each other shortly after arriving. “We met in the hostel,” Kevan explains. “We started a new life. Strong friendship now.” The two now work in construction- Binny started first, and Kevan followed a month later after finishing ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) classes.

“Long days, hard work,” Binny admits, but there’s always something to look forward to, like football on Tuesdays. “I enjoy playing with you guys,” James says with a smile. “Kevan is great in defence, I trust him. You both have energy. I don’t defend unless I have to!”

Football is more than exercise. It’s a space to practice English, build confidence, and forge lasting friendships. “In ESOL, I was quiet,” Binny says. “In football, I talk too much. I like talking and practising English.” Kevan agrees, laughing: “I always ask the questions in ESOL, but didn’t say as many answers. That’s why my English is not so good.” Binny adds, “In football, sometimes you learn bad words too- with emotion” James jokes, “So bad words in football, good words in ESOL?” Both Binny and Kevan laugh and agree, “Yes!” Bini recalls: “I’ve played football since I was young, even in Ethiopia… now I work Monday to Saturday, and I look forward to playing every Tuesday. It’s very nice- two and a half or three years now with the same people and no fighting!”

From regular games to shared meals and birthdays, their friendship has deepened over time. “[Me and Bini] meet every Saturday at football, sometimes go for dinner, celebrate together, laugh together,” Kevan says. “And we do the same with James and Harry. It’s like family.” Bini adds: “My family isn’t here… but these friends are like my family. I’m so happy.” James reflects on their relationship over the years. “I’ve seen both of you become more confident. Bit by bit, more comfortable. Small changes, but they matter.”

Kevan remembers first seeing James lying on a sofa and thinking he was short, not realising he was just unwell and was six foot four. “I thought he was short!” he laughs. Binny remembers thinking Kevan was from another region because they couldn’t understand each other at first, only to find out later they shared the same language.

When asked what this community means to them, Binny answers simply: “I feel love.”

Kevan nods. “Me too. It’s very good. Very nice. I’m happy.”