Gijs de Jong: 'We aim to organise the best Unity EURO Cup ever!'

What does it mean for the Netherlands to host the Unity EURO Cup?

In the Netherlands, especially at amateur level, football is something that brings people together. It’s one of the most powerful expressions of Article 1 of the Dutch constitution, which establishes the principles of non-discrimination and equality. A tournament like this really emphasises these values and shows the power of football. We think that's important to do as a national association.

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Unity EURO Cup: Social inclusion through football

Everything you need to know about the annual UEFA-UNHCR tournament that highlights football’s role in helping refugees integrate into their host communities.

What are your ambitions for the tournament?

We aim to organise the best Unity EURO Cup ever! We have a great campus here in Zeist, and we’ll be using pitches where the men’s and women’s national teams train. Former internationals Aron Winter and Khalida Popal will be helping with the draw.

But it’s also to do with how the players are welcomed, the facilities, transportation, the refereeing, the celebration dinner and party… we intend to make sure it’s all memorable.

You mentioned the power of football. Can you explain what you mean in relation to refugees?

When you come to the Netherlands as a refugee, football can be a way of finding your place in society. We already have a number of amateur clubs who have been helping refugees integrate through football. Kids and parents from all different backgrounds come together at amateur clubs. Everyone is equal.

We always need players, referees, coaches and volunteers entering the game. People who move to the Netherlands, for whatever reason, can always be an enrichment for the country, and also for football. That has to remain our philosophy.

Players compete at the 2024 UEFA Unity EURO CupUEFA

A former refugee, Anoush Dastgir, now coaches the Dutch national under-18 team.

Anoush is a very talented coach, and we’re delighted to have him here. When you look at it in the context of this tournament, he’s a great example of what refugees can achieve in this country. It’s also very encouraging to have greater diversity in the organisation. It sends out a positive signal to players, colleagues and the general public. There’s no doubt in my mind that football is a great way to show that refugees are a smart investment rather than a burden.

Tell us about your partnership with UNHCR.

We’re big fans of the UNHCR, and this is not the first time we’ve worked together. We collaborate on our World Coaches programme, in countries like Algeria, Jordan and Kenya – including in refugee camps – to help people become football coaches. The programme also addresses issues like education, work, sanitation, hygiene and gender equality, and encourages coaches to become role models in their communities.

We actually ran the programme in the Netherlands as well, at a refugee reception centre in a place called Ter Apel. That really helped bring people together there.

What about the tournament referees?

Zeeburgia, a club in Amsterdam, runs the wonderful Refugee Referees programme. We had a shortage of referees at amateur level, and this initiative helped refugees integrate into Dutch society, so it was really a win-win situation. All referees for the Unity EURO Cup will come from this programme.

What message would you like to send out about the Unity EURO Cup?

Football brings people together, regardless of differences in cultures, backgrounds or religion, and helps them get to know each other. I hope that’s what this tournament will show. And if you don't experience it at the Unity EURO Cup, do so at your local club. It’s often one of the few places in a village, town or city neighbourhood where everyone is welcome, regardless of nationality or status.