THE UK's 'first' official asylum seeker football team made their first away trip to Lancaster marking one of their last games together before the players face relocation across the UK.

In collaboration with Global Link, Hilltop United FC took on Lancaster refugee teams in a spirited round-robin tournament at the weekend, with around 50 players turning out for the event. 

Taking 26 players on two minibusses for the away leg, the outing was described by coach Chris Middleton as a 'fabulous' day on and off the pitch despite being a bittersweet moment.  

"There must have been almost 50 people there. It was fantastic to meet them. They love football, so the banter was flowing, and it carried on well on the pitch.

"It's the last time that the full football team will be together, so there was a sadness," Chris said. 

The reduction of the team follows as 'over 200' asylum seekers and refugees have been or are being moved from hotels across Carlisle - one of which being the Hilltop Hotel. 

This exodus will lead to a significant reduction in the squad, leaving only seven players who will permanently stay in Carlisle.

"Quite a few players are leaving this week with 30 due to be leaving next week.

"We have a game this Sunday which will be the final match this year," Chris said. 

The development arises as the UK government has officially decided to relocate asylum seekers from over 50 hotels across the country, opting to transfer them to military bases or vessels.

"The team got their letters this week, some are going to Darwin, Bolton, Blackburn, Manchester, Bristol, and Wigan. 

"They are feeling nervous but we had a practice during the week. It was when the team was receiving their letters. 

"They came down buzzing to play football. They were able to cast aside the letter for the moment and enjoy playing for two hours. 

"They have accepted the inevitable now and just want to enjoy their football - at least, they will get a game wherever they go," Chris said. 

The seven remaining players are set to be adopted into the Border City Greens FC squad.