10. SPORTS
Introduction to the Sport Module
Sports can serve as a powerful platform for promoting integration and inclusion, bringing people together across differences and fostering a sense of belonging and community. In this module we would like to show you the possibilities of sports. Leveraging sports for integration and inclusion could be an impactful tool for fostering social cohesion and breaking down barriers.
Aim of the module
Promoting diversity and integration into the host communities through sports. Connecting local children and youth with unaccompanied refugee minors and young adults through sports activities. Increasing socialization, inclusion, network building and encouraging healthy lifestyle.
Learning outcomes
- Understand how sport influences diverse aspects such as health, education
- Learn to implement different strategies to maximize the integration effect of sports
- Understand the concept of visibility, social responsibility and sponsorship
- Sports and employment possibilities
- How to achieve the synergy between sport, education and inclusion
- Promoting sport and physical activity as a tool for health
- Encouraging the practice of sport and physical activity
Benefits of the Sport
The promotion of sports and physical activity as a vital tool for health among unaccompanied refugee minors represents a multifaceted approach with the potential to yield significant benefits. This initiative emphasizes the transformative power of sports in supporting the holistic well-being of these vulnerable individuals, empowering them to lead healthier, happier, and more fulfilling lives. Regular physical activity is essential for improving cardiovascular health, strength, and flexibility, while also aiding in weight management and reducing the risk of chronic diseases. Beyond physical health, engaging in sports is closely linked to enhanced mental well-being, as it facilitates the release of endorphins that alleviate stress, anxiety, and depression—critical factors for minors who have faced trauma and displacement.
Furthermore, sports serve as a powerful medium for social integration, enabling refugee minors to connect with peers, foster friendships, and cultivate a sense of belonging within their new communities. Through participation in sports, these individuals also experience empowerment and resilience, learning valuable life skills such as teamwork, leadership, and perseverance, which are essential for their journey towards integration and self-sufficiency.
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. |
Social Integration | Sports have the power to break down barriers and foster social cohesion. By participating in team sports or recreational activities, refugee minors can connect with peers, build friendships, and develop a sense of belonging within their new communities. |
Empowerment and Resilience | Engaging in sports promotes a sense of empowerment and resilience by setting goals, overcoming challenges, and experiencing success. Refugee minors learn valuable life skills such as teamwork, leadership, and perseverance, which are essential for navigating their journey towards integration and self-sufficiency. |
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.
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 sport integration
To effectively engage sports clubs and athletes in supporting diversity and inclusion events for unaccompanied refugee minors, it’s crucial to present a compelling strategy that aligns with their interests and values. Here we suggest a comprehensive approach that is ready to use and based on visibility, social responsibility, and sponsorship:
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 connection with fans and sponsors alike. | Propose collaborative marketing efforts where sports clubs and athletes can promote the events through their social media platforms, reaching diverse audiences and driving engagement. |
Social Responsibility | ||
|---|---|---|
Empathy and Compassion | Community Engagement | 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. |
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.
Case study & practices
Put your knowledge into practise
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:
- Recruitment & Training: Refugee minors join a structured program where they receive training in event management, teamwork, and customer service.
- Event Assignments: Participants are matched with sports clubs based on event needs, gaining hands-on experience.
- Mentorship & Support: Each participant is guided by mentors, including sports professionals and event managers.
- 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.
Now, it is your turn to put the knowledge into practice:
Please choose a famous sports club in your country and create a recruitment strategy together with an event proposal. Please take into consideration visibility, social responsibility, and sponsorship. Also include and remember diversity and inclusion aspect,key labor law regulations for minors under 18.
Case study
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.
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.
Objectives and questions:
- Provide recommendations for program adaptation to your country's context and scalability.
- What are the critical components of the program that contribute to its success?
- What challenges does the program might face in its implementation in your country?
- How does the involvement in sports and community activities influence the outcomes?
Assessment
References & Further Reading
Recommended References & Further Reading:
- WHO (World Health Organization). (2022). Guidelines on Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour. Emphasizes mental and physical health benefits of activity for youth, especially vulnerable groups. WHO guidelines on physical activity and sedentary behaviour
- WHO (2018). Global Action Plan on Physical Activity 2018–2030. Global action plan on physical activity 2018–2030: more active people for a healthier world
- UEFA Foundation for Children. Sport for development: Projects and practices.On going – UEFA Foundation
- European Week of Sport: The European Week of Sport was launched in 2015 to respond to the growing crisis of inactivity. About the European Week of Sport – Sport
- UNHCR. (2020). Sport for Protection Toolkit.Sport for protection toolkit | UNHCR
- Sport: for community cohesion and social inclusion Social inclusion – Sport
- 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
- CODE OF SPORTS ETHICS(adopted by the Committee of Ministers on 24 September 1992 at the 480th meeting of the Ministers’ Deputies and revised at their 752nd meeting on 16 May 2001)Council of Europe. Recommendation No. R (92) 14 on the code of sports ethics
- International Labour organization: Child Labour | International Labour Organization, International Labour Standards | International Labour Organization
- 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
