World Refugee Day 2025: UEFA and the European football community acting in solidarity with refugees
Friday, June 20, 2025
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On World Refugee Day, we stand #WithRefugees and the millions of displaced people who have been forced to leave their home country to escape conflict or persecution. Across Europe, the football community is stepping up, using the power of the game to create spaces of belonging, opportunity, and hope.
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Every year on 20 June, the world comes together to honour the courage and resilience of millions of people forced to flee their homes due to conflict or persecution. On World Refugee Day 2025, and as part of UEFA's FootbALL programme, UEFA and the European football community reaffirm our commitment to standing in solidarity #WithRefugees—using the unifying power of football to foster inclusion, opportunity, and hope.
Discover how football is driving inclusion and empowering displaced people to rebuild their lives.
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UEFA and the entire European football community – national associations, professional and amateur clubs, coaches, players, referees – must act together in support of forcibly displaced people. Because becoming a refugee is never a choice, but how we respond is. Football has the unique power—and responsibility—to bring people together and build inclusive communities where everyone feels they belong.
Football as a force for good
Football is more than a game. It’s a global language that transcends borders, builds bridges, and creates belonging. At this year’s UEFA Respect Forum, stakeholders from across European football came together to explore how the sport can empower refugees and displaced people. Two key principles emerged:
1. Start Small, Build Trust
Begin with accessible football activities—like local tournaments or regular training sessions. These initiatives serve as entry points to build relationships and trust. Over time, they can evolve into broader support systems, including:
- Language lessons
- Psychosocial support
- Coach and referee training
- Volunteering and employment opportunities
2. Empower Refugee Leaders
Refugees should not only participate—they should lead. By involving them as co-designers, coaches, volunteers and role models, programmes become more sustainable and foster mutual respect.
Your voice matters
As UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 captures the world’s attention, England's Lucy Bronze and Spain's Aitana Bonmatí are lending their voices to a special video message in support of refugees—highlighting football’s power to inspire solidarity and inclusion.
“For refugees around the world, football is more than just a game—it’s a chance to be part of something bigger.”
Supporting refugees is not charity—It’s smart development
Refugees don’t seek handouts—they seek opportunity. Many bring valuable skills, fresh perspectives, and a drive that fuels innovation. Communities that welcome refugees don’t just help others—they thrive.
For the football community, engaging refugees:
- Strengthens identity
- Uncovers new talent
- Boosts fan engagement
- Opens doors to funding and partnerships
UEFA and UNHCR: A partnership for inclusion
Since signing a cooperation protocol in May 2021, UEFA and UNHCR have worked together to promote the social inclusion of refugees through football. Key initiatives include:
⚽ Unity EURO Cup
The Unity EURO Cup is an annual amateur tournament featuring mixed-gender teams of refugees and host community players. The 2025 edition, hosted by the Royal Netherlands Football Association, will take place on 15 October at the KNVB Campus in Zeist, with 18 teams participating.
🏆 UEFA Refugee Grant Programme
Since 2017, UEFA has funded national associations to run tailored refugee projects. In the 2023/24 season, a record 30 UEFA member associations participated, designing initiatives that respond to local needs with football at their core.
UEFA Foundation for Children: Football as a lifeline
In 2025, the UEFA Foundation for Children continues to lead humanitarian sport initiatives through its Refugee Programme, supporting displaced children and youth with:
- Safe spaces to play
- Access to education
- Psychosocial support
These projects are implemented in partnership with local NGOs and international organisations to ensure cultural sensitivity and long-term impact.
🌍 Examples of ongoing projects
- Kick for Hope (Jordan) – AFDP
- The Green Side (Colombia) – Ankla Foundation
- Football for Economic Empowerment (Netherlands) – KNVB WorldCoaches
- Bloomsbury Community (UK) – Bloomsbury Football Foundation
Through these efforts, football becomes a tool for healing, learning, and building a brighter future.