A pilot project awarded by the European Commission and led by the FIGC to promote the social integration of refugee adolescents through sport and education.
Inclusion and sport, two nouns that go hand in hand. The European Commission has awarded the Italian Football Federation the pilot project "BELONG," an initiative aimed at promoting the social integration of refugee adolescents, a pressing issue throughout the European Union. Sport is an important tool for fostering the social integration of refugee adolescents, especially those at a critical age, such as between 10 and 18.
"BELONG" is an acronym for "footBall Employed to faciLitate the integratiOn of adolesceNt refuGees," meaning the use of a tool like football to facilitate the integration of refugee adolescents and foster a sense of acceptance. This is a truly collaborative partnership supported by UEFA, in which the FIGC, three local NGOs with strong local presence (Solidarietà Caritas Onlus Florence; Consorzio Gruppo CEIS Modena; Consorzio Gruppo CEIS Civitavecchia), and the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia (Unimore) will develop a diversified and competent partnership, providing - in three different local contexts characterized by a significant refugee presence - a scientifically based methodology to promote social inclusion.
Drawing on the experience of the Youth and School Sector, ‘Belong‘ builds on and expands the scope of the ReTe Project. The goal will be to provide, with the support of its coaches and psychologists, easy-to-use training tools, as well as develop sports, physical activity, and educational activities to promote engagement in local communities. A further push for inclusion through sports will take place during soccer tournaments and meetings in schools, where refugee adolescents will have the opportunity to discuss their experiences with their peers, fostering bonding. The boys and girls will train under the supervision of coaches from the Youth and School Sector and will be involved in non-sports educational activities, promoting the value of health, mutual trust and cooperation, and social cohesion, while preventing deviance.
What We Do
Inclusive training, team-building, and tournaments to boost skills, confidence, and a sense of belonging.
Non-sporting activities promoting health, mutual trust, and cooperation to foster long-term social cohesion.
School meetings and tournaments where refugee adolescents connect with peers and build lasting local bonds.
An evidence-based framework developed with Unimore to ensure measurable and replicable social inclusion.
