‘Refugees Welcome’: how football can support refugees globally

How The global refugee crisis has seen millions of people uprooted from their homes and forced into long and potentially dangerous journeys. Whether in transit or upon arrival at their final destination, refugees have to face many material and psychological issues. After the immediate needs of housing, food and legal advice are sorted, social, emotional and physical wellbeing are vital. Football, and sport in general, can help with these aspects, as well as supporting social integration. This workshop explores the role of football in supporting refugees in these areas.

The project is funded by the British Academy and consists of two workshops. The first workshop was held in Paris in June, in collaboration with the fans network Football Supporters Europe, to see how fans and grassroots groups are helping refugees by setting up teams, working in camps and raising awareness.

The second workshop will be held in Brighton on Friday November 25th at the Amex Stadium, home of Brighton and Hove Albion.

Speakers include, Lord Bassam of Brighton, representatives from FIFA, UEFA, UNHCR and various NGOs and government bodies.

The main goal of this workshop is to place football central in the minds of policy makers addressing the needs of refugees globally. Often governments focus on the immediate welfare needs of refugees and asylum seekers and ignore the important role of sport, and football in particular, in supporting the physical, mental, emotional and social welfare of individuals.

For interested parties, a tour of the Amex Stadium will also be included.