A.E. Ramassà held its second training session at the Esports Fields of the University of Barcelona. This time, 15 women took part, including a few new participants who were introduced to the project for the first time.

To maintain the inclusive and welcoming spirit, the session began with fun group games to help break the ice and create a positive atmosphere. These activities were especially helpful for integrating the newcomers and strengthening team bonds.

The football portion of the session started with a simple passing and ball control exercise in pairs, allowing trainers to observe the participants’ skill levels and build on the basics. The energy carried into a friendly match that gave everyone a chance to play together and develop early teamwork.

To close, the group did some stretching and gathered for a short talk about upcoming sessions, logistics, and shared reflections on how everyone was feeling about the experience so far.

This second session helped reinforce the values of connection, participation, and fun—continuing to build a solid base for the season ahead

One year after the Global Refugee Forum 2023, this initiative is proving that sport is more than just entertainment—it is a vehicle for change. By providing accessible opportunities, football is becoming a platform for equity, inclusion, and lasting transformation.

As more football associations and clubs commit to these inclusion strategies, the future of football looks more diverse, dynamic, and representative of the global community it serves.

Learn more about how football is transforming lives and how you can support this initiative.

Masomah Ali Zada, an Afghan cyclist, defied cultural barriers to pursue her Olympic dream after fleeing Afghanistan. Seeking asylum in France, she competed in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics as part of the Refugee Olympic Team. She went on to lead the team at Paris 2024, Ali Zada’s journey is a powerful example of the resilience and transformative power of sport in overcoming adversity.

Faced with societal pressures that told women they couldn’t dream or succeed, Ali Zada pursued her passion for cycling, hoping to inspire change in her home country. In France, she was inspired by the success of women in various fields and committed to achieving her own goals. Her Olympic experience not only boosted her confidence in sport but also in life. Overcoming language barriers and adapting to a new education system, she earned her master’s degree in civil engineering, proving that with hope, courage, and resilience, anything is possible.

One Year After the Global Refugee Forum 2023

Sport has the power to transform lives, unite communities, and create pathways to opportunity. One year after the Global Refugee Forum 2023, a new initiative is breaking barriers in football by ensuring underrepresented communities—including ethnic minorities and women—have access to meaningful careers in the sport.

Through a groundbreaking inclusion project, football associations and clubs are not just talking about diversity; they are actively reshaping recruitment, mentorship, and career development programs to bring fresh talent into the game.

A Game-Changer for Diversity in Football

Historically, football governance and management roles have remained inaccessible to many, especially refugees, ethnic minorities, and women. Recognizing this gap, a collaborative initiative—rooted in the commitments made at the Global Refugee Forum 2023—has taken action.

With an open and flexible eligibility framework, the initiative connects passionate individuals with structured career pathways in football. This includes:

• Internship and work placement programs within national football associations and clubs
• Mentorship pairings with industry leaders to provide career guidance
• A recruitment platform designed to match trained individuals with job opportunities in football
• A standardized DEI assessment tool to help clubs and associations evaluate their inclusion progress

Stories of Impact: From Training to Employment

For Amina, a refugee from Syria, the dream of working in football felt distant. “I loved the game, but I never saw people like me in leadership roles,” she shares. Through the initiative’s mentorship program, Amina was connected with a football executive, gained hands-on experience in club management, and is now on a pathway toward a full-time career in the sport.

Similarly, David, a young man from a marginalized community in Europe, found himself struggling to break into the industry despite his qualifications. Thanks to the recruitment platform, he secured an internship with a national football association, turning his passion into a profession.

As part of the REWINS 2.0 Get Fit and Stay Active, Girl Power hosted a sports and dance activities for the refugee children and women at the Avenstrup Refugee Centre. The aim of the event is to celebrate the power of sport and movement together with the refugee community.