Creating community through English football: The role of memory in creating community for African immigrants in London

Keywords: Memory, Community, Immigrants, Sport
Session Type: Virtual Paper Abstract
Day: Sunday
Session Start / End Time: 2/27/2022 11:20 AM (Eastern Time (US & Canada)) - 2/27/2022 12:40 PM (Eastern Time (US & Canada))
Room: Virtual 39

Abstract

Shared memories and experiences are important aspects in developing group identities. This paper will explore the role of memory in creating a community for African immigrants who have migrated to the United Kingdom. This paper specifically focuses on Crystal Palace Football Club, located in Southwest London, England, as a case study for understanding the role of community memory to create a new sense of community amongst the African immigrant population. Data was collected from interviews and observational sessions during two separate research trips to London in 2018 & 2019. Memories of community events and gatherings in Africa revolved around the watching and listening of English Premier League matches. These experiences and memories are the backbone for the African immigrants when it comes to creating a new community with other immigrants in London. This paper explores questions such as the following: (1) What role did football play in the formation of a new community? (2) Was there any link to a football club? (3) How important is a physical location? (4) Are these groups linked in other ways? (5) In understanding these questions, we can better understand the experience of immigrant groups in England.