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From Ugandan Backpages to The Valley...

13

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  • TootingRedArmy
    TootingRedArmy Posts: 385
    Welcome Wogoli to Charlton Life, thrilled that you are flying the flag for The Addicks in Uganda, I visited your country in 2013. I hope you can come to The Valley  soon to see The Addicks and very happy to contribute to help make it possible, if a crowdfunder is started. COYA's. 
  • Addickhead86
    Addickhead86 Posts: 1,148
    Welcome aboard, Wogoli!
  • SuedeAdidas
    SuedeAdidas Posts: 7,740
    Wallop. Straight in with a Promote 😄
  • PrincessFiona
    PrincessFiona Posts: 5,438
    cfgs said:
    Set up a gofundme? If he has a passport
    getting a via will be very difficult
  • PrincessFiona
    PrincessFiona Posts: 5,438
    Rob7Lee said:
    £4k should be enough to get him here, flights, hotel for a couple of nights. Do you need a VISA from Uganda?
    Most definitely The challenge won't be raising the money but him getting a visa. Ugandans are a big immigration risk (due to various reasons including the high percentages that claim asylum)
  • TootingRedArmy
    TootingRedArmy Posts: 385
    edited September 29
    I'm mindful that Wogoli, reads this thread, so trying to be positive to see how we as fans could help Wogoli make a visit to the Valley and an away fixture. Chat GPT has thrown up this regarding visas....

    "Yes, a Ugandan fan can apply for a UK tourist visa to attend matches. The hardest part will be proving strong reasons to return home after the trip. A letter of support from Charlton Athletic could help show the trip is genuine, but financial stability and personal ties to Uganda will matter more in the Home Office decision." 

    I would hope that Charlton can help and must use a visa service with players and staff at the club will have expertise to help. Ideally Charlton &  CAST would ideally set up a crowdfunding to riase money for this trip, (see a previous post isn't that high a figure.
  • follett
    follett Posts: 1,034
    Appreciate the visa issues but happy to chip in for a Charlton TV season pass initially 
  • GreenWithEnvy
    GreenWithEnvy Posts: 1,841
    Really happy to have you in the Charlton family @Wogolovicwilly. 
  • Wogolovicwilly
    Wogolovicwilly Posts: 11
    Yeah am reading the thread addicks and am extremely grateful and happy seeing genuine addicks like this warm regards to charlton family 
  • PrincessFiona
    PrincessFiona Posts: 5,438
    edited September 30
    TootingRedArmy said:
    I'm mindful that Wogoli, reads this thread, so trying to be positive to see how we as fans could help Wogoli make a visit to the Valley and an away fixture. Chat GPT has thrown up this regarding visas....

    "Yes, a Ugandan fan can apply for a UK tourist visa to attend matches. The hardest part will be proving strong reasons to return home after the trip. A letter of support from Charlton Athletic could help show the trip is genuine, but financial stability and personal ties to Uganda will matter more in the Home Office decision." 

    I would hope that Charlton can help and must use a visa service with players and staff at the club will have expertise to help. Ideally Charlton &  CAST would ideally set up a crowdfunding to riase money for this trip, (see a previous post isn't that high a figure.
    Yes, raising the funds is the easy bit, the challenge will be him proving his ties to Uganda, notably depending on his circumstances. Uganda is a significant immigration risk. The individual applies for the visa not anyone on their behalf, although they can obviously help 

    A Charlton tv pass is a great idea though
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  • TootingRedArmy
    TootingRedArmy Posts: 385
    edited September 30
    Agreed Wogoli will need to look into visa application process and of course apply, however a letter of support from Charlton & CAST will help confirm that Wogoli visa and his travel arrangements are legimate and help him get a temporary UK visa. Likewise any fundraising to help Wogoli would be best via club or CAST...
    I love talking to International Football and Charlton fans who make the effort to come to England this season meet Germans &  Dutch. Its a huge growing market international football fans enjoying English football particularly in London. I meet an American and his son on Sunday,  on a train to Middlesborough who was taking in 9 matches in 2 weeks in UK & Germany. I know we have international Addicks day but offering a package to come to see Charlton for international supporters / visitors taking in 2/3 matches with Charlton including hotel, tour, transport seems a good business opportunity. When are club going to invite Borg over? 
    Anyway hope it happens for Wogoli and he makes it over from Uganda to the Valley this season..
    .....watching Addicks on Charlton TV is a great option in the meantime, having Greg and Tel screaming all the way to Uganda ! COYA's.......
  • RodneyCharltonTrotta
    RodneyCharltonTrotta Posts: 14,827
    In the interim how about a Charlton TV subscription. Happy to help towards that with others.
  • PrincessFiona
    PrincessFiona Posts: 5,438
    TootingRedArmy said:
    Agreed Wogoli will need to look into visa application process and of course apply, however a letter of support from Charlton & CAST will help confirm that Wogoli visa and his travel arrangements are legimate and help him get a temporary UK visa. Likewise any fundraising to help Wogoli would be best via club or CAST...
    I love talking to International Football and Charlton fans who make the effort to come to England this season meet Germans &  Dutch. Its a huge growing market international football fans enjoying English football particularly in London. I meet an American and his son on Sunday,  on a train to Middlesborough who was taking in 9 matches in 2 weeks in UK & Germany. I know we have international Addicks day but offering a package to come to see Charlton for international supporters / visitors taking in 2/3 matches with Charlton including hotel, tour, transport seems a good business opportunity. When are club going to invite Borg over? 
    Anyway hope it happens for Wogoli and he makes it over from Uganda to the Valley this season..
    .....watching Addicks on Charlton TV is a great option in the meantime, having Greg and Tel screaming all the way to Uganda ! COYA's.......
    The challenge with the visit visa will not be the reasons for the visit or indeed any funding 
  • closet_addick
    closet_addick Posts: 107
    Wogoli! Nice to see you here. And hopefully at The Valley before too long! 
  • TootingRedArmy
    TootingRedArmy Posts: 385

    Chat GPT ........

    Yes — Ugandans can visit the UK as tourists for 2-3 weeks (or up to 6 months) under the Standard Visitor visa rules, but there are specific restrictions and requirements. A UK organisation or football club sponsoring or supporting the visa can help, but only to a certain extent. Below is a breakdown.

    ✅ What’s allowed under a UK Standard Visitor visa

    • Ugandan nationals are on the visa nationals list, meaning they must apply for a visa in advance to enter the UK for tourism. DavidsonMorris

    • The visa allows tourists to stay up to 6 months in the UK for visiting, holidays, short events (like attending football matches), meeting friends/family, etc. GOV.UK+1

    • Tourist visa holders can’t work in the UK, study full-time, receive public funds, or stay permanently. GOV.UK+1

    ⚠️ Key restrictions and what visa officers look for

    For a successful visa application, the applicant would need to satisfy UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) that:

    1. They intend to leave UK at the end of their visit. Strong ties to Uganda help (job, studies, family, property).

    2. They have enough funds for accommodation, match tickets, travel, food, return journey.

    3. Accommodation and travel plans are clear (where staying, how travelling).

    4. Valid passport and identity documents.

    5. Often history of travel helps (if they have previously visited other countries or shown compliance with visas).

    🔍 Can a football club / organisation help vouch or sponsor?

    Yes, some support from a club or organisation can strengthen the visa application, though this is not the same as “sponsorship” implying work, which isn't allowed under a Visitor visa. Here’s how a club / organisation could help:

    • Provide an invitation or support letter confirming the purpose: that the person is a fan who will attend specified matches on particular dates.

    • Possibly provide proof of tickets booked, or reserved, showing genuine plan to attend.

    • They may offer/cover costs like match tickets, or part of accommodation — this can be shown in the financial evidence.

    • The letter helps show the trip is genuine, but isn’t a guarantee of visa approval. All other eligibility criteria (funds, ties home, clear travel plans) still matter.

  • TootingRedArmy
    TootingRedArmy Posts: 385
    Its very possible...Charlton can help our Ugandian fan see above......
  • PrincessFiona
    PrincessFiona Posts: 5,438
    TootingRedArmy said:
    Its very possible...Charlton can help our Ugandian fan see above......
    Of course. As I have said before. The most challenging part will be ties to Uganda and satisfying the visa officer they are going to return. Unfortunately a significant percentage of Ugandans that visit the UK do not go back even thought they have ties back in Uganda and 'proved' they had an intention of going back (to get their visa). Most refusals are down to not satisfying the ties to return element.

    This is no personal inditement on our lovely fan as an individual, but how the visa officer perceives the risk on balance of probabilities. It is partly the actions of others that contribute to the immigration risk which is by nationality -and ones some nationalities require a visa even for a visit and others don't
  • TootingRedArmy
    TootingRedArmy Posts: 385
    edited September 30
    I totally understand but club can help with a letter of support, evidence that Wogli is coming on a legimate sporting visit, with tickets for matches etc. 
    In meantime agree Charlton TV is an excellent subsitute for watching the Addicks from Uganda 
    Wogli the commentary team Greg & Tel are passionate Addicks and Brownie the analysis : pundit is well very knowledgable and a character....COYA's
  • TootingRedArmy
    TootingRedArmy Posts: 385
    edited September 30
    Apologises Wogli but I don't know if members of Charlton Athletic & CAST are on Charlton Life? 
    as we use pseudo names and don't know anyone in these roles who can help you but i'm very happy to donate to any crowdfunding to help make it possible to come to UK and see The addicks at The Valley & away game. COYA'S 
  • PrincessFiona
    PrincessFiona Posts: 5,438
    TootingRedArmy said:
    I totally understand but club can help with a letter of support, evidence that Wogli is coming on a legimate sporting visit, with tickets for matches etc. 
    In meantime agree Charlton TV is an excellent subsitute for watching the Addicks from Uganda 
    Wogli the commentary team Greg & Tel are passionate Addicks and Brownie the analysis : pundit is well very knowledgable and a character....COYA's
    Yes, yes, that side of things will be excellent and tick more than those boxes. But not what will be the challenge and will not mitigate the main risk from the visa officer's point of view
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  • TootingRedArmy
    TootingRedArmy Posts: 385
    Princess Fiona...who from Charlton & CAST would be able to help Wogli
    of course UK visa entry is challenging, but with club's support etc it may be possible 
    lets see and be good to have lifers suggest who to speak to.....
  • PrincessFiona
    PrincessFiona Posts: 5,438
    edited September 30
    TootingRedArmy said:
    Princess Fiona...who from Charlton & CAST would be able to help Wogli
    of course UK visa entry is challenging, but with club's support etc it may be possible 
    lets see and be good to have lifers suggest who to speak to.....
    As I keep saying, the Charlton end of things won't be a problem, but no matter how good it is this end, it doesn't help with the risk is his situation in Uganda. No one this end can help with that really. He'll need to provide full details of his circumstances, job, savings, income, family circs, accommodation etc - one bit of advice here is not to be tempted to exaggerate anything about life in Uganda e.g. with any non-genuine documents
  • TootingRedArmy
    TootingRedArmy Posts: 385
    edited October 1
    Were on the same page, PF....
    I've had to get visa's & permits for places like Tiananmen Square, Beijing, Cuba & also Uganda for work....so appreciate the challenges Wogli faces & what he will need to provide UK immagration to get a temporary visitor visa to visit UK & Valley.
    If Wogli can provide all of what will be required, what will help his visa application will be letters, tickets, evidence from Club and CAST. Its the sort of help one could maybe have reached out to Tracey Leaburn, but who at Charlton or CAST can help if Wogli would like to visit and maybe help him with his visa. Thats all i've asked?
  • Arthur_Trudgill
    Arthur_Trudgill Posts: 464
    Charlton TV in the first instance would also be my suggestion.

    And welcome Wogolovicwilly!
  • PrincessFiona
    PrincessFiona Posts: 5,438
    TootingRedArmy said:
    Were on the same page, PF....
    I've had to get visa's & permits for places like Tiananmen Square, Beijing, Cuba & also Uganda for work....so appreciate the challenges Wogli faces & what he will need to provide UK immagration to get a temporary visitor visa to visit UK & Valley.
    If Wogli can provide all of what will be required, what will help his visa application will be letters, tickets, evidence from Club and CAST. Its the sort of help one could maybe have reached out to Tracey Leaburn, but who at Charlton or CAST can help if Wogli would like to visit and maybe help him with his visa. Thats all i've asked?
    TRA you are missing the point about the main challenge with the visa application. No one is doubting what can be provided from the Charlton end - that to be honest, that's the easy bit.
    A UK nation applying for a visa for China, Cuba and Uganda is a completely different to immigration risk to a Ugandan applying for a visit visa (it is called a visit visa not a temporary visitor visa) to the UK.

    Good luck with it all, but the immigration risk with the visa application is the ties to Uganda, so the main focus needs to be on his situation in Uganda - the concern will not be about what he will be doing in the UK

    I'll back off now as given my advice (several times)
  • TootingRedArmy
    TootingRedArmy Posts: 385
    edited October 1
    PF i know all this about immigration risk and what our young Ugandian Addick's challenges will be....Got that first time !
    If Wogli can make a strong case and has everything for a "visit visa" in order.... this is when club or Cast could help him make his "visit visa" application as strong as possible (that was what i was trying to say?)....that it all from me too on trying to be helpful about Urgandian "visit visas".......
    welcome Wogli to the world of Charlton Life...
  • charltonnick
    charltonnick Posts: 3,063
    We posted off a parcel to Wogli today from the museum. 
  • sammy391
    sammy391 Posts: 3,782
    charltonnick said:
    We posted off a parcel to Wogli today from the museum. 
    Amazing, I’m sure he’ll love this! 
  • sammy391
    sammy391 Posts: 3,782
    TootingRedArmy said:
    Princess Fiona...who from Charlton & CAST would be able to help Wogli
    of course UK visa entry is challenging, but with club's support etc it may be possible 
    lets see and be good to have lifers suggest who to speak to.....
    We at CAST are always wanting to help and promote these causes, but appreciate we have to be very sensitive towards fans as well as different cultures and incomes.

    whilst we throw around the ‘a few hundred pounds/a few grand’ to fundraise, that amount of money is life changing in places like Uganda- so it’s not a small feat! 

    I will put it to the board, who already know there are musings of a crowd funding Wogoli’s visit, but from my POV it may be easier (and quicker!) if a separate fan starts this gofund page in the first instance 
  • Siv_in_Norfolk
    Siv_in_Norfolk Posts: 4,057
    charltonnick said:
    We posted off a parcel to Wogli today from the museum. 
    Nice one. Doing great work over there, guys

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