Module 10 – Sports

10. SPORTS

Introduction to the Sport Module

Description:

This module explores how sports and movement-based activities can be used as transformative tools to promote integration, inclusion, and psychosocial well-being among unaccompanied refugee minors. It provides a comprehensive framework combining trauma-informed practice, health promotion, social inclusion, and skills development. Participants will learn practical strategies to design and implement culturally sensitive and inclusive sports programs, build pathways to education and employment, and empower young people to reclaim agency and belonging in their new communities.

Aim:

To equip professionals and volunteers with knowledge, skills, and tools to use sports as a medium for holistic development, trauma recovery, social integration, and empowerment of unaccompanied refugee minors, while fostering safe, inclusive, and culturally respectful environments.

Learning outcomes:

  • Create safe, trauma-informed sports sessions that support emotional regulation and well-being.

  • Adapt activities to diverse cultural backgrounds, abilities, and comfort levels.

Promote social integration and community cohesion

  • Facilitate team-building and intercultural understanding through sports-based approaches.

  • Engage local communities and stakeholders to support inclusive participation.

Integrate education and life skills development

  • Develop programs combining academic learning and physical activity.

  • Foster skills such as teamwork, leadership, and communication.

Support pathways to health and employment

  • Leverage sports as a platform for health promotion and self-care.

  • Design strategies connecting sports participation to vocational training and job opportunities.

Champion inclusion and equality

  • Implement gender-sensitive and disability-inclusive sports practices.

  • Advocate for anti-discrimination policies and accessible facilities.

Understand the fundamentals of human biology and safe sport

  • Apply basic knowledge of growth, development, and body systems to plan age-appropriate activities.

     

  • Recognize and mitigate risks of injury and stress in sports settings.

How to Introduce Sports to Refugee Youth?

  1. Start with the “Why” – Not the Rules

Some minors may have no background in structured sport. Begin by explaining:

  • Sport is a way to have fun, move your body, and feel good.

  • It’s also about belonging, teamwork, and respect—not just winning.

  • You don’t need special skills or clothes to join—everyone is welcome.

 

Tip: Use simple language, gestures, and visual aids. Include interpretation if needed.

2. Begin with Play and Movement

Instead of jumping into formal sports, start with:

  • Simple games, like tag, obstacle courses, or relay races.

     

  • Activities that involve laughter, group participation, and success for all.

     

  • Focus on fun and connection, not performance.

     

Why it matters: This builds confidence, reduces fear of failure, and helps you observe physical abilities, group dynamics, and trauma responses.

Examples of sport-based programs and interventions:

  1.     Football for unity – a structured football initiative adapted to include trauma-sensitive coaching techniques, team-building exercises and emotional check-ins. Coaches are trained to recognize signs of distress and encourage positive peer dynamics. The game becomes a safe arena for emotional expression, leadership and belonging.

  2.     Yoga and breathing circles – these low-impact sessions are particularly beneficial for minors who experience chronic tension or anxiety. Breathwork, paired with gentle movements, can regulate the nervous system and help participants become more attuned to their bodies. Sessions can be held in shelters, classrooms or outdoor spaces and adapted for various fitness levels.

  3.     Martial arts for mindfulness – martial arts like karate, aikido or taekwondo combine physical skill-building with philosophical teachings about inner calm, respect and self-discipline. These programs encourage self-control, grounding and confidence while also allowing minors to regain a sense of bodily safety and strength.

  4.     Dance and movement therapy workshops – dance offers a powerful way to express emotions non-verbally. Using cultural music and group choreography, youth can reconnect with joyful movement, cultural heritage and community rhythms. These workshops can double as cultural exchange spaces that build pride and intergroup understanding.

  5.     Adventure and outdoor sports – activities like hiking, biking and climbing offer exposure to nature while encouraging cooperation, problem-solving and personal challenge. These programs are effective for older youth and can be paired with ecological education or mindfulness.

🛑 3. Be Trauma-Informed

Some youth may associate loud noises, shouting, or physical contact with fear or violence.

  • Avoid whistles, aggressive commands, or sudden physical touch.

  • Offer clear structure: what will happen, what is expected, and when it ends.

Let kids opt out or observe—don’t force participation.

🤝 4. Use Team Building First

Start with non-competitive games that promote:

  • Trust

  • Cooperation

  • Shared success

Examples:

  • Passing games in a circle

  • “Build a team name and cheer” activity

  • Group juggling or parachute games

Let kids opt out or observe—don’t force participation.

🌍 5. Respect Cultural Backgrounds

Be mindful that:

  • Some youth may not have worn sportswear, run in public, or played with the opposite gender.

     

  • Modesty, religious customs, and gender roles may influence comfort with certain activities.

     

Adapt your approach: offer choices (e.g., single-gender groups), allow loose-fitting clothes, avoid physical contact.

⚽ 6. Introduce Sports Gradually

Once trust and comfort grow:

  • Start with universal, low-barrier sports (e.g., football, running games, skipping rope).

  • Keep sessions short, predictable, and focused on fun.

Use simple rules, repeat them often, and show more than tell.

🎉 7. Celebrate Participation, Not Performance

  • Praise effort: “You tried something new!” or “I liked how you helped your teammate.”

  • Avoid overly competitive settings at first.

Focus on inclusion, joy, and belonging—key for healing and integration.

Human body

Human biology is the study of how the human body functions, grows, and adapts. For professionals using sports as a tool for development and well-being, understanding basic human biology helps support healthy, safe, and age-appropriate physical activity.

Key aspects include:

  • The Musculoskeletal System: Muscles, bones, tendons, and ligaments work together to enable movement. Physical activity strengthens these systems, but overuse or poor technique can lead to injury, especially in growing children.
  • The Cardiovascular and Respiratory Systems: The heart and lungs supply oxygen and nutrients to muscles during exercise. Regular physical activity improves cardiovascular health and endurance.
  • Growth and Development: Children and adolescents go through rapid physical and hormonal changes. These affect strength, coordination, and emotional responses. Refugee minors may have had interrupted growth due to trauma, malnutrition, or stress.
  • The Nervous System: It controls movement, reaction time, and coordination. Sport can improve motor skills and also support mental focus and emotional regulation.
  • Mental and Emotional Health: Physical activity supports brain function, reduces stress, and improves mood through the release of endorphins. This is particularly important for minors who have experienced trauma or displacement.

Understanding these systems helps ensure that sport is used not just for recreation, but as a safe and powerful tool for healing, growth, and social inclusion.

TED-Ed’s video series on the human body offers an engaging exploration of its complex systems and functions. Each video focuses on a specific topic, from the circulatory system to brain functions, using captivating animations and expert insights to simplify intricate concepts. This series aims to enhance understanding and appreciation of human anatomy, encouraging viewers to reflect on their health and well-being while fostering curiosity about the biological processes that sustain life.

Introduction to the Session : Welcome to Movement!

Before we dive into activities it is important to inform about Key Body Areas in  Movement

Understanding these areas helps you support safe participation:

  • Core: Muscles in the stomach and lower back. Supports balance and posture.

  • Upper body: Arms, shoulders, chest. Important for throwing, pushing, and lifting.

Lower body: Legs, hips, feet. Central to running, jumping, and stability.

Why It Matters

Even basic anatomy knowledge empowers you to:

  • Create safer sport environments

     

  • Adjust activities to individual needs

     

  • Support physical and emotional recovery

     

  • Promote healthy body awareness and self-esteem

Considerations for Refugee Minors

  • Developmental differences: Some youth may have delays or limitations due to past hardship.

  • Previous injuries or trauma: Be observant and flexible. Avoid physical pressure or competition when trust or safety is not yet established.

Cultural differences: Respect modesty, gender preferences, and physical boundaries in anatomy-related discussions or activities.

Welcome to Movement!

🟢 Session : Welcome to Movement!

Goal: Build trust, reduce fear, and encourage joyful participation.

Structure:

  1. Welcome Circle (5–10 min)

     

    • Introduce names (use a soft ball toss game to learn names)

       

    • Say: “We are here to move, have fun, and support each other.”

       

  2. Warm-Up Game – Mirror Movements (10 min)

     

    • In pairs, one person makes simple movements (slow jumping, stretching) and the other copies like a mirror. Switch after 2 minutes.

       

  3. Main Game – Traffic Lights (15 min)

     

    • Everyone moves around the space. Leader calls:

       

      • “Green” = go

         

      • “Red” = stop

         

      • “Yellow” = move slowly
         Add fun variations: hop, dance, animal walk.

         

  4. Team Game – Circle Ball Pass (15 min)

     

    • Stand in a circle, pass a soft ball around (clockwise or randomly).

       

    • Add a second ball for challenge.

       

    • Focus on eye contact, calling names, and laughter.

       

  5. Cool Down & Sharing Circle (5–10 min)

     

    • Sit in a circle, do light breathing/stretching.

       

    • Invite participants to share a word or gesture for how they feel.

       

✅ General Tips:

  • Always have water and rest breaks.

     

  • Adjust based on age, gender, culture, and energy levels.

     

  • Use music, props, or rhythm to keep sessions engaging.

     

Let youth suggest games or lead warm-ups when ready—build ownership.

Sports and benefits

Sports and health

Promoting sports and physical activity as a tool for health among unaccompanied refugee minors is a multifaceted approach that can yield significant benefits. Through collaborative efforts and targeted interventions, we can harness the transformative power of sports to support the holistic well-being and empower unaccompanied refugee minors to lead healthier, happier, and more fulfilling lives.

Physical Health Benefits:

Regular physical activity contributes to overall physical well-being by improving cardiovascular health, strength, and flexibility. Engaging in sports helps refugee minors maintain a healthy weight, reduce the risk of chronic diseases, and boost their immune system.

Mental Health Benefits:

Physical activity is closely linked to mental health, as it releases endorphins that reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. For unaccompanied refugee minors who may have experienced trauma and displacement, participating in sports provides a positive outlet for expression, relaxation, and social interaction.

Psychological benefits of sport for refugee minors:

  1.     Reduces stress and anxiety – physical activity releases endorphins, natural mood boosters that counteract stress hormones like cortisol. Regular participation can reduce symptoms of PTSD, anxiety and depression.
  2.       Improves focus and sleep – physical fatigue combined with emotional release helps regulate sleep cycles, which are often disturbed by trauma. Improved sleep directly impacts cognitive functioning, concentration and emotional stability.
  3.     Teaches emotional regulation – learning how to handle wins and losses, manage impulses and remain disciplined under pressure mirrors important life skills, particularly in emotionally charged environments.

Social Integration

Sports have a unique power to break down barriers and foster social cohesion, making them an invaluable tool for supporting refugee minors as they adapt to life in new communities. By participating in team sports or recreational activities, young people can connect with peers across cultural, linguistic, and social divides in ways that feel natural and nonjudgmental. Shared goals—such as working together to win a match or improve a skill—create common ground that helps build friendships and trust. 

For refugee children who may feel isolated or misunderstood, this sense of belonging can be life-changing. Team activities also teach positive social behaviors like cooperation, fair play, conflict resolution, and mutual respect, reinforcing inclusive values that extend beyond the playing field. Furthermore, when local peers and refugee minors participate side by side, stereotypes and prejudices are more likely to dissolve, replaced by authentic relationships and empathy.

 Coaches and facilitators can enhance this process by intentionally creating mixed teams, celebrating cultural diversity through sports traditions, and providing safe spaces where all children feel valued and included. Ultimately, sports offer refugee minors not only recreation but also a bridge into their new community and an opportunity to build the social connections essential for emotional well-being and successful integration.

Self-Reflection Questions

  • How can participating in team sports help me connect with individuals from different backgrounds, and what steps can I take to foster inclusivity in my own community?
  • In what ways can I contribute to creating a supportive environment for others, particularly those who may feel isolated or misunderstood, through shared activities or experiences?

Inclusion and equality

Promoting inclusion and equality in sports means ensuring that refugee girls have the same opportunities, support, and respect as any other participants. As highlighted by Malala Yousafzai’s “Recess” initiative Malala turns her fight for equality to women in sports | CNN, sports can be a powerful tool for building confidence, community, and resilience—especially for girls who have experienced displacement and trauma. True inclusion goes beyond access; it requires creating safe, culturally sensitive environments where all girls feel seen and respected. This includes offering both co-ed and gender-specific options to honor different comfort levels, especially where modesty, physical contact, or clothing are concerns. Activities should be adapted to accommodate prayer times, modesty norms, and culturally familiar games like cricket or volleyball. Coaches and facilitators must be trained to recognize trauma responses—such as withdrawal, aggression, or dissociation—and respond with empathy rather than pressure, shame, or harsh discipline. Inclusion also means removing material barriers by providing appropriate sportswear and equipment for all participants. When programs embrace these principles, they don’t just open doors—they foster dignity, equality, and lasting belonging for refugee girls in every space they enter.

Inclusion and equality in sports must also extend to unaccompanied refugee minors with disabilities, who often face compounded barriers of isolation, stigma, and limited access to safe recreation. These young people may have experienced trauma, loss of caregivers, and interruptions in medical or educational support, making their participation in sports both more challenging and more essential. Programs should prioritize accessible facilities, adaptive equipment, and trained staff who understand diverse physical, sensory, and developmental needs. Activities can be modified to ensure everyone can engage meaningfully, whether through inclusive team play, individual skill-building, or creative movement adapted to different abilities. Clear communication, patient guidance, and predictable routines help create a sense of safety and trust. Most importantly, sports initiatives should actively affirm that every child—regardless of disability, displacement, or family circumstance—has an equal right to dignity, belonging, and joy in movement.

Empowerment and Resilience

Engaging in sports promotes a profound sense of empowerment and resilience among refugee minors by offering opportunities to set goals, overcome challenges, and experience success. Through participation, young people develop essential life skills such as teamwork, leadership, and perseverance, which support their journey toward integration and self-sufficiency. Sports also provide a structured environment with clear routines, rules, and boundaries, which are especially important for children who have experienced instability or trauma. This consistent framework helps build a sense of safety and predictability, fostering self-discipline and confidence. By learning to respect shared norms, work collaboratively, and celebrate both effort and achievement, refugee minors gain tools that strengthen their ability to navigate new environments and envision a hopeful future.

Promoting education through the Sport

Education in and through sport promotes holistic development by addressing the physical, cognitive, emotional, and social needs of refugee minors. Unaccompanied refugee minors often face barriers to accessing formal education due to factors such as language barriers, lack of documentation, and limited resources. Integrating education into sports programs provides an alternative pathway for learning, ensuring that refugee minors have access to educational opportunities regardless of their circumstances. 

You can consider taking the following steps to provide an alternative pathway for learning:

  • Forge partnerships with educational institutions, sports organizations, NGOs, and government agencies to leverage resources and expertise in delivering sports-based education programs for refugee minors. Collaborate on joint initiatives, teacher training programs, and curriculum development projects to maximize impact and reach.
  • Develop a curriculum that integrates academic subjects such as math, science, language, arts, and social studies with sports and physical activity.
  • Recruit qualified teachers and coaches who are trained to deliver sports-based education programs. Provide professional development opportunities and resources to enhance their knowledge and skills in both education and sports coaching.
  • Create dedicated learning spaces within sports facilities or community centers where refugee minors can access educational materials, technology, and other resources. Ensure that these spaces are safe, welcoming, and conducive to learning.
  • Implement monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to assess the effectiveness of sports-based education programs.

For example:

Integrating academic subjects with sports and physical activity is highly effective, especially in settings with refugee or displaced youth, where engagement, trauma-informed practices, and holistic learning are crucial. This interdisciplinary approach supports physical, cognitive, and emotional development simultaneously.

In the next part of the module you can read and further apply a sample curriculum framework followed by concrete examples per subject.

Curriculum framework

🌍 Integrated Curriculum: Academics Through Sports & Physical Activity

 Goals:

  • Reinforce academic concepts through kinesthetic learning
  • Promote teamwork, confidence, and communication
  • Address trauma and displacement through structured, meaningful play
  • Make learning accessible, engaging, and relevant to real life

📘 Curriculum Structure (Weekly Model)

Day

Focus

Integrated Subjects

Sports Activity

Learning Outcome

Mon

Numbers in Action

Math + PE

Team relay with score tracking

Practice addition, subtraction, percentages

Tue

Body & Movement

Science + Health

Obstacle course

Learn human anatomy, joints, energy use

Wed

Word Games

Language + Drama

Sports storytelling

Build vocabulary, communication skills

Thu

Cultural Team Games

Social Studies + Ethics

Traditional games from various cultures

Learn about diversity, empathy

Fri

Art in Motion

Arts + Geometry

Dance or rhythm-based games

Explore shape, rhythm, creative expression

📚 Examples by Subject

🧮 Math

  • Relay Race Scorekeeping: Students track lap times, calculate averages, compare fractions.
  • Basketball Angles: Learn about angles and trajectory through basketball shots.
  • Volume & Distance: Estimate and measure how far a ball travels; convert units (meters to feet).

🔬 Science

  • Body Systems & Exercise: Label body parts, muscles used in a specific movement (e.g., lunges).
  • Heart Rate Experiment: Compare resting vs. active heart rates; graph results.
  • Physics of Sport: Explore force, friction, balance, and gravity using balance beams or balls.

🗣️ Language & Literacy

  • Sports Journalism: Write or present a match recap or interview a teammate.
  • Movement & Vocabulary: Use charades or physical storytelling to learn new words.
  • Team Chant Writing: Compose original chants or poems about fair play and teamwork.

🎨 Arts

  • Choreograph a Story: Use movement to represent a historical event or folk tale.
  • Sports Equipment Design: Create logos, uniforms, or custom game tools with local materials.
  • Shadow Play: Use body movement and props to act out scenes or feelings.

🌐 Social Studies & Citizenship

  • Cultural Games Week: Introduce sports from different refugee communities (e.g., kabaddi, sepak takraw).
  • Ethics in Sport: Discuss fairness, inclusion, and leadership roles.
  • Mapping Movement: Use maps to chart Olympic locations or origins of traditional games.

🎯 Why It Works

  • Culturally adaptable: You can adjust games and academic levels to suit the background of participants.
  • Low-resource friendly: Many activities can be done with found objects, hand-drawn charts, or natural space.
  • Inclusive & trauma-informed: Movement supports healing, while integrated learning keeps students engaged.
  • Multilingual & multi-level adaptable: Activities can be taught through visuals, movement, and peer support.

Integration Strategies

Here are some strategies to consider and help you to achieve the integration objectives through sports:

Community Engagement: 

Engage with local communities to understand their needs and interests. Connecting local children and youth with unaccompanied refugee minors and young adults through sports activities. Offer sports programs and events that reflect the diversity of the community, including traditional sports from different cultures. Collaborate with community organizations, schools, and government agencies to create inclusive sports programs. Pooling resources and expertise can help reach a wider audience and have a greater impact.

 Sports and employment possibilities:

Creating a concept that intertwines sports and employment opportunities for refugees can be incredibly impactful, leveraging the existing network of sports clubs and their corporate sponsors. The concept aims to utilize the resources and connections of sports clubs and their corporate sponsors to facilitate employment opportunities for refugees. By leveraging the platform of sports, refugees can access training, mentorship, and job placement programs, enabling them to integrate successfully into the workforce while fostering a sense of belonging within their new communities. 

Skills Development through Sports:

Collaborate with sports clubs to offer training programs tailored to the skills required in various industries. These programs can include both sports-specific skills training and workshops focusing on soft skills such as teamwork, communication, and leadership.

Engage professional athletes and coaches to mentor refugees, providing guidance and inspiration as they navigate their career paths.

Corporate Sponsorship and Partnerships:

Tap into the network of corporate sponsors associated with sports clubs to create employment opportunities for refugees. Encourage sponsors to allocate resources towards job placement programs, internships, and apprenticeships within their organizations.

Foster strategic partnerships between sports clubs, corporate sponsors, and your organizations to streamline the recruitment process and provide ongoing support to refugee employees.

Job Fairs and Networking Events:

Organize job fairs and networking events hosted by sports clubs, inviting corporate sponsors to participate and connect with refugee job seekers. These events can feature workshops on resume writing, interview skills, and career development, preparing refugees for the job market.

Facilitate networking opportunities between refugees, employers, and industry professionals, creating a supportive ecosystem where refugees can showcase their talents and potential contributions to the workforce.

Long-Term Support and Integration:

Provide ongoing support to refugees throughout their employment journey, offering mentorship, counseling, and career advancement opportunities. Foster a supportive community within sports clubs and corporate workplaces, promoting diversity, inclusion, and mutual respect.

Celebrate the achievements and contributions of refugee employees, highlighting success stories and inspiring others to pursue their career aspirations with confidence.

Carrier as a professional athlete and Peer Support: 

Encourage peer support and mentorship within sports teams. Pairing experienced athletes with newcomers can help build confidence and create a supportive environment as well as helping young people to become professional athletes.

  • Please think which strategies are applicable to your country and how it can be adopted?

Advantages of Integration

Reason 1. Visibility
Highlight the Opportunity
Positive Brand Association
Cross-Promotion Opportunities
Emphasize the visibility that sports clubs and athletes can gain by participating in your events. With extensive media coverage and public interest, their involvement will garner significant attention, amplifying their brand reach.
Associating with a cause as noble as supporting unaccompanied refugee minors enhances the public perception of sports clubs and athletes. It showcases their commitment to making a positive impact beyond the field, fostering a deeper
Propose collaborative marketing efforts where sports clubs and athletes can promote the events through their social media platforms, reaching diverse audiences and driving engagement.
Reason 2. Social Responsibility
Community Engagement
Community engagement and inclusion
Legacy Building
Highlight the humanitarian aspect of supporting unaccompanied refugee minors. By participating in these events, sports clubs and athletes demonstrate empathy and compassion, showcasing their commitment to social responsibility.
Engaging in activities that support marginalized communities fosters a sense of belonging and inclusivity. Sports clubs and athletes become active contributors to building stronger, more cohesive societies, aligning with their role as influential figures in their communities.
Supporting causes that transcend sports leaves a lasting legacy. By championing diversity and inclusion, sports clubs and athletes inspire future generations to prioritize social impact, leaving a positive imprint on society.
Reason 3. Sponsorship
Strategic Partnerships
Brand Differentiation
Customized Sponsorship Packages
Position the events as opportunities for sports clubs and athletes to forge meaningful partnerships with organizations and sponsors who share their values. Highlight the potential for long-term collaborations that extend beyond individual events, creating mutually beneficial relationships.
Emphasize how supporting such a cause sets sports clubs and athletes apart from their competitors. It showcases their commitment to making a difference beyond the sporting arena, enhancing their brand image and appeal to sponsors seeking socially conscious partners.
Offer tailored sponsorship packages that align with the objectives and budgetary constraints of sports clubs and athletes. Provide opportunities for branding, hospitality, and engagement activities during the events, ensuring that sponsors receive tangible benefits in return for their support.
  • Why do sports clubs and athletes should be interested in supporting your cause?

Key labor law regulations for minors under 18

While implementing recruitment strategies with sports clubs and athletes, it is crucial to consider and apply the aspects of diversity and inclusion, as well as key labor law regulations for minors under 18. 

Diversity and inclusion aspect

Diverse Representation: Promote diversity and inclusion in sports by ensuring that teams, coaching staff, and administrators reflect the diversity of the community. Encourage participation from underrepresented groups.

Education and Awareness: Provide education and awareness programs to combat discrimination and promote understanding. This can include workshops, seminars, and campaigns to challenge stereotypes and promote inclusivity.

Adaptive Sports: Offer adaptive sports programs for people with disabilities. This can include wheelchair basketball, blind soccer, and other sports adapted to accommodate different abilities.

Celebration of Diversity: Organize events and tournaments that celebrate diversity and cultural exchange. 

Anti-Discrimination Policies: Implement, advocate and enforce strict anti-discrimination policies within sports organizations. Create a zero-tolerance policy for discrimination and harassment and ensure that complaints are taken seriously and addressed promptly.

Accessible Facilities: Ensure that sports facilities are accessible to people of all abilities. This includes providing ramps, elevators, and other accommodations for those with disabilities

Key Labor Law Regulations for Minors (Under 18)  

Minimum Age – Usually 14-16 years, with exceptions for light work or apprenticeships.

Restricted Work – No hazardous jobs (e.g., heavy machinery, toxic substances, dangerous conditions).

Working Hours – Limited daily/weekly hours, no late-night shifts, and restrictions on school days.

Rest & Time Off – Mandatory breaks and at least one full day off per week.

Education First – Work must not interfere with school.

Fair Wages & Protection – No exploitation; wages must follow legal standards.

Enforcement – Violations should be reported to labor authorities or child protection services.

Note: Laws vary by country—always check local regulations.

To help you, visualize that you are a leader of NextPlay Events:

Agency Name: NextPlay Events

Tagline:

“Empowering Youth, Elevating Sports”

Concept Overview:

NextPlay Events is a social enterprise that provides professional event management services to sports clubs while empowering unaccompanied refugee minors through hands-on work experience. The agency bridges the gap between young refugees seeking opportunities and sports organizations in need of event support.

Key Objectives:

✅ Provide meaningful training and work experience for unaccompanied refugee minors.
 ✅ Support sports clubs with high-quality event management services.
 ✅ Promote social inclusion and community engagement through sports.
 ✅ Create pathways for long-term employment and integration.

Services Offered:

🔹 Event Staffing – Youth participants are trained to assist with logistics, ticketing, crowd management, and hospitality at sporting events.
 🔹 Setup & Operations – Assistance with venue preparation, equipment setup, and teardown.
 🔹 Community Engagement – Organizing activities that connect refugee youth with local sports communities.
 🔹 Merchandising & Sales – Support in managing merchandise booths, food stalls, and other event-related sales.
 🔹 Social Media & Content – Young creatives document events and help sports clubs with digital outreach.

How It Works:

1️⃣ Recruitment & Training: Refugee minors join a structured program where they receive training in event management, teamwork, and customer service.
 2️⃣ Event Assignments: Participants are matched with sports clubs based on event needs, gaining hands-on experience.
 3️⃣ Mentorship & Support: Each participant is guided by mentors, including sports professionals and event managers.
 4️⃣ Career Pathways: Successful participants transition into long-term employment opportunities within the sports and events industry.

Impact:

🌍 Social Integration – Connecting refugee youth with local communities through sports.
 ⚽ Sports Industry Growth – Supporting clubs with well-trained event staff.
 🎓 Skill Development – Preparing young people for careers in events, hospitality, and sports management.
 💼 Employment Pathways – Creating opportunities for future job placements.

Case study

Inspirational case study 1:

 Jobbsjansen Vålerenga Program 

  1. Introduction

Jobbsjansen Ungdom is a work training program by Vålerenga Football Club for youth aged 17 to 25 who are currently not engaged in employment or education. The initiative aims to provide participants from Oslo(Norway) and surrounding areas with practical work experience at Vålerenga Samfunn and selected partner organizations Våre partnere / Vålerenga. The ultimate goal is for these youths to secure employment with these partners after approximately five months of training.

vif-samfunn.no

Integreringsfotball – Vålerenga Samfunn (vif-samfunn.no)

Key Features of the Program:

  • Individualized Support: Participants receive thorough assessments and skill development opportunities.
  • Diverse Work Assignments: Engagement in various tasks within the club to build experience.
  • External Work Practice: Challenging placements with partner organizations to broaden skills.
  • Health Focus: Emphasis on maintaining physical well-being throughout the program.
  • Supportive Environment: Access to a unique setting that fosters personal growth and achievement.

Program Structure:

  • Duration: Approximately 5 months.
    • Month 1: Assessment, courses, and skill development at Vålerenga Samfunn.
    • Months 2-5: Split between continued training at the club and practical work placements.

Jobbsjansen collaborates with NAV (Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration), and participants receive financial support through stipends or unemployment benefits. The program admits 15 to 20 youths per intake, with sessions starting in February and September each year.

vif-samfunn.no

Objectives and questions: 

  1. Provide recommendations for program adaptation to your country’s context and scalability.
  1. What are the critical components of the program that contribute to its success?
  2. What challenges does the program might face in its implementation in your country?
  3. How does the involvement in sports and community activities influence the outcomes?

Case study 2

Inspirational case study 2: Right to play’s “Sport for development” program

Right to Play is an international NGO that harnesses the power of sport and play to educate and empower children in humanitarian settings, including refugee camps. Their programs have a strong focus on psychosocial well-being, trauma healing, and mental health resilience.

Key components of the case study

  1.       Structured games and team sports – delivered daily, these sessions encourage collaboration, fair play and emotional expression, allowing youth to process feelings such as anger and grief in a safe, supportive environment.
  2.       Life skills and mental health curriculum – coaches are trained not only to lead games but also to facilitate discussions around topics like emotional regulation, coping strategies and peer support.
  3.       Peer mentorship and positive role models – older youth and peer leaders are empowered to mentor younger participants, fostering a sense of responsibility and belonging.

You can learn more in their official report:

Right to Play. (2020). Sport for Development in Humanitarian Contexts: Assessment Report.

Assessment Part 1

Assessment Part 2

Complete the course
Complete the course

References & Further Reading

Recommended References & Further Reading:

  • The European Sports Charter(1992): The European Sports Charter provides guidance for the Council of Europe’s member states to perfect existing legislations or other policies and to develop a comprehensive framework for sport.The European Sports Charter – Sport
  • FRA (European Union Agency for fundamental rights): FRA helps EU institutions and countries in the European Union (EU), so-called EU Member States, to ensure that the rights of all people including children are respected. It collects information about rights across the EU and gives advice on how to improve the conditions of vulnerable people such as migrants, asylum seekers, victims of violence, racism and hate crime. FRA for children | European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights