The Surrey Football Association (FA) has relaunched its groundbreaking initiative, “Unite Through Football: Refugees,” aimed at enabling refugees, particularly women, to find community and strength through football.

Building Community Through Football
The inaugural edition of the programme brought together over 200 players from 35 different countries, creating a vibrant and diverse football community. Since its inception, the project has continued to flourish, offering men and women across the South East of England a platform not only to play football but also to forge meaningful connections within their local communities.

A League of Inclusivity
The initiative is structured as a league, facilitating monthly fixtures and ensuring that players are equipped with essential gear, including kits, boots, and even prayer facilities. This commitment to inclusivity and respect for diverse needs underscores the programme’s dedication to creating a welcoming environment for all participants.

Impact on Integration and Well-being
Anwar Uddin MBE, diversity and inclusion manager at the FA and former professional footballer, highlighted the project’s role in fostering integration and enhancing the mental and physical well-being of participants. He emphasized the profound impact of these sessions in nurturing a sense of belonging and connection among refugees and the wider community.

Looking Forward
“Unite Through Football: Refugees” exemplifies how sport can serve as a powerful tool for social integration and personal development. By providing refugees with the opportunity to engage in football, the Surrey FA is helping to build stronger, more inclusive communities.

Source: Project to help refugees play football relaunched by Surrey FA – BBC News

In April 2023, players from 1. FC Köln’s women’s team and four young refugee women from the Scoring Girls project dazzled a record-breaking crowd of 38,365 spectators. This remarkable event highlighted the power of sport to unite and inspire.

Founded by Kurdish refugee Tuğba Tekkal, the Scoring Girls project goes beyond football training. It combines athletic development with academic support and career guidance, offering a holistic approach to empowerment. By engaging strong female role models, Scoring Girls instills confidence and belief in the participants’ own capabilities.

The project’s reach is impressive. With over 150 girls from more than 15 countries participating in Berlin and Cologne alone, Scoring Girls expanded into Iraq in 2021. This initiative provides a supportive community for girls and young women, helping them overcome the trauma of displacement and war.

Scoring Girls ensures that any girl or young woman can join and find a sense of belonging and empowerment, proving that the impact of sport extends far beyond the field.

Source: Women’s football: Tuğba Tekkal’s Scoring Girls* integration project (deutschland.de)

The Unity Euro Cup 2023, held in Frankfurt, Germany, was a powerful demonstration of the transformative power of sport, particularly in empowering female refugees. This remarkable tournament challenged negative perceptions and attitudes towards refugees, paving the way for a more inclusive society.

Celebrating Unity and Inclusivity
At its heart, the Unity Euro Cup exemplified unity and inclusivity. With 16 teams comprising male and female refugees alongside local players from European nations, the tournament transcended borders and cultures. It provided a platform for participants to represent their host countries or the European Union, fostering a spirit of camaraderie and mutual respect.

Aligning with UEFA and UNHCR Strategies
The Cup aligns seamlessly with UEFA’s Football Sustainability Strategy 2030, which actively promotes the integration of refugees through football. Additionally, it resonates with the UNHCR Sport Strategy, which highlights the critical role of sports in improving the lives of displaced people and facilitating their integration into host communities.

Beyond the Field: A Lifeline for Female Refugees
For female refugees, the Unity Euro Cup represented more than just a sporting event. It was a beacon of hope and a source of empowerment. As team captain Hassan Yaghoubi remarked, the tournament provided a unique opportunity for individuals to come together, forge connections, and experience the joy of playing football. This sense of community and belonging is invaluable for those rebuilding their lives in new environments.

The Unity Euro Cup 2023 showcased the profound impact of sport in fostering unity, breaking down barriers, and creating inclusive communities. Through football, female refugees found not only a platform to showcase their talents but also a supportive network that celebrates their resilience and potential.

Source: Finland wins second UNITY EURO CUP highlighting inclusionary power of sport | UNHCR