Football is the world’s most popular sport, with an estimated 3.5 billion fans globally — nearly half of the planet’s population. Every four years, the FIFA World Cup draws viewership numbers that surpass those of any other sporting event, with over 1.5 billion people tuning in for the 2022 final. Football is more than a pastime; it is a deep cultural force. In Africa for example, over 70% of youth are engaging with the sport either through play or media.

Meanwhile, at the end of June 2024, an estimated 122.6 million people around the world have been forced to flee their homes, including nearly 43.7 million refugees. Another 4.4 million stateless people are denied nationality and basic rights like education, health care, and freedom of movement. At a time when more than 1 in every 67 people on Earth has been displaced, the work of the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) is more urgent than ever. In this context of growing displacement and political division, football offers something powerful: a universal language capable of building bridges. Across continents and cultures, football connects people through shared passion, teamwork, and respect — offering moments of joy, dignity, and belonging, even in the most challenging circumstances. Football like most sports in its intrinsic nature wants to choose unity over division.

For someone arriving in a new country or a temporary living habitat, the familiar sound of a football making its journey across a surface can be a brief moment of tranquility, hope or a flash of warmth across the soul in even the most difficult of conditions.

UNHCR has a long history in engaging in the sport for good world and Stephan Reynard, current Project Coordination officer and sport focal point, joins us on Bonito to chat about the use of sport at an organization that finds itself operating in turbulent times with numbers of displaced persons soaring due to a myriad of conflicts and economic difficulties.

Bonito: Thank you so much for joining us Stephen, always great to speak to someone from such a great organization like UNHCR.

Stephen: Thanks so much for having me on Bonito- what an exciting new platform in this space.

Bonito: Tell us Stephen about your own passion for football  (or sports in general) and how you were captivated to explore the ways the game could bring about positive changes for society?

Stephen:  I was encouraged to participate in sport from a young age. I played competitive football growing up in Canada all the way through high school and university in the United States. Since then, I have played on local football teams in France, Ireland, Togo, and Switzerland. Football has been a way for me to connect with people in each of the places I have lived.  

I only started to think about the potential of sport to contribute to positive social outcomes when I was encouraged to set up a sport initiative with a community-based organization in Eastern DRC following my graduate studies. I spent a memorable year in the Ituri District initiating sport activities aimed at building peace between conflict-affected communities. Following that experience, I was hooked on the potential of sport to contribute to positive social change and, over the past 12 years, I have been lucky enough to have several opportunities to contribute to development and humanitarian objectives through sport in several countries and regions. 

 

Bonito: Why do you think specifically football evokes such powerful sentiments with such a broad range of people all over the world? 

Stephen: I suppose people are drawn to the spectacle of sport for various reasons.  In terms of setup and requirements, football is a relatively level playing field. There are certainly inequalities in football, not only in terms of gender inequality, but also regarding the inclusion of persons with disabilities and refugees, who in many countries aren’t able to join local football teams and professional clubs. Nevertheless, the global popularity of football is most likely due, at least in part, to its accessibility. 

In many areas of the world, local football teams embody the identity of a community. Some go as far as to liken football to religion, which is a helpful analogy in some ways.  Beyond football, different sports captivate audiences, including cricket, basketball, netball, rugby, baseball, volleyball, and national or indigenous sport like chinlone (Myanmar), ecua-volley (Ecuador) and capoeira (Brazil). 

Bonito: Can you give us a bit of an overview about how football and sport in general can be used as a tool to help refugee populations?

Stephen: UNHCR’s first-ever sport strategy, More than a Game (2022-2026), outlines five ways in which the sport ecosystem can support improved wellbeing and opportunities for people forced to flee. 

1. Sport and play-based programming: Access to regular, safe and protective sport activities contributes to protection outcomes for refugees and host communities, including psychosocial wellbeing, social cohesion and social inclusion. 
2. Elite Support: Providing opportunities for refugees with sporting talent to fulfill their potential through sport, educational or professional pathways supports refugee self reliance and livelihoods as well as increased advocacy opportunities. The most visible examples of this are the Refugee Olympic and Paralympic teams. 
3. Communication and advocacy: With global audiences in excess of 3 billion people for mega sporting events, sport provides UNHCR with a communication platform that can engage entirely new audiences in support of refugees. Sport also provides a familiar and compelling narrative that can break down cultural barriers and change perceptions and attitudes towards refugees. 
4. Sport diplomacy: Thanks to the popularity and influence of sport personalities who lend their names and platforms to the refugee cause, UNHCR is able to insert refugee issues in new sport and non-sport forums. Sport diplomacy can also support creating an enabling policy environment for refugees in and through sport with sport governing bodies and national governments. 
5. Resource Mobilization: The vast global for-profit sports industry – including clubs, sport brands, events, professional sportswomen and sportsmen, fans and others – presents significant potential for resource mobilization to meet ever-growing humanitarian needs. Attracting attention and funding from both sport and non-sport brands, the global sport scene can be a door opener to reach new potential partners and sponsors.

 

Bonito:  So wonderful that UNHCR has its own sports strategy- things have come a long way in many organizations at the inter-governmental level when it comes to integrating sports into their policy. UNHCR has a long history in using sport as a tool for positive change. Can you tell us a bit about some of the projects currently ongoing using especially football as a tool for the protection of refugees?

Stephen: Indeed, when searching online for early examples of refugees participating in sport you may come across pictures of refugees taking part in sport activities in the years following World War Two. UNHCR has for many years worked with the world of sport to implement projects primarily aimed at providing access to sport and its associated health benefits. However, the development of a dedicated approach on sport as a means to achieve protection outcomes for people forced to flee and host communities is a relatively new innovation informed by the sport for protection toolkit (2018). 

As part of the rollout of More than a Game, UNHCR and partners are currently implementing 15 multiyear sport for protection projects, many of which focus on football because of its popularity. These projects take place in various settings, including urban environments, rural settlements, and refugee camps). 

Thanks to the generous support of key global sport partners, these projects are rolled out alongside core UNHCR programming such as community-based protection and gender-based violence programming, which create an enabling environment for refugees to not only survive, but to thrive. 

 

Bonito: What more do you think the football world can do to support refugees worldwide? In many European countries , football programs aimed at integrating refugees into European society are underway- what advice would you have for football clubs/coaches at the grassroots level who might not have extensive experience but are trying to  undertake this task?

Stephen: Refugees and vulnerable people in general are facing unprecedented risks of social exclusion and violence, as they are sadly being targeted and villainized by an exclusionary brand of politics.  Football clubs, associations, leagues and governing bodies have an incredible platform to communicate positive narratives, create pathways to educational and professional opportunities, and generate empathy towards people forced to flee.  Football can become a safe haven for refugees in an increasingly unsafe world.

In terms of advice to grassroots organisations wanting to engage in this space, I would simply say that everyone starts somewhere, and to build on existing networks and experience in this space. There are many resources, platforms and initiatives aimed at promoting the inclusion of refugees through sport including the Sport for Refugees Coalition and the Integration of Refugees through Sport Network.

 

Bonito: Is there any organizations that you partner with (preferably using football) who you would like to shine a light on for their excellent work with refugees?

Stephen: UNHCR operations work with over 190 partners on the implementation of sport for protection projects and activities globally. Instead of highlighting one or two of these organizations, I would like to highlight the Sport for Refugees Coalition, which includes 140 entities from the world of sport, civil society, public and private sectors who have made pledges to support the inclusion of refugees through sport. These organizations came together at the Global Refugee Forum in 2019 and again in 2023 to unite behind refugees and pledge commitments that contribute to the Global Compact on Refugees (GCR), which is an international framework for strengthened cooperation and solidarity with refugees and affected host communities.  These commitments are articulated around five areas:

• Promote an enabling environment, including policy, that delivers access to safe sport
• Promote and provide inclusive, safe, sport and play-based initiatives
• Promote and provide opportunities for enhanced skills and pathways in and through sport
• Use targets communication, evidence and advocacy
• Strengthen partnerships and coordination efforts

For more information about the Sport for Refugees Coalition you can either write to contact@sportcoalition.org or use this contact form.

Bonito: Refugees are also facing an unprecedented level of xenophobism and any immigrant sentiment from many western countries. Organizations like Soccer Without Borders and Fútbol Más are running marvelous programs to help break down barriers. What can bigger football clubs and leagues do with their platforms to help protect these individuals who have escaped extremely difficult situations only to face new challenges in their destinations?

Stephen: Football clubs wield a lot of influence with their fan base and the communities that they serve. They can promote a welcoming environment for refugees not only within the confines of their stadia, but also in the wider community and beyond. They can engage their players on refugee issues and provide opportunities for refugees to access football and player development, professional and educational opportunities through football

Football leagues organize competitions, establish standards and rules, and promote the sport. They are also responsible for enforcing rules and regulations with football teams. They can address social exclusion in all its forms in football and engage with football supporter groups on creating safe and inclusive environments for refugees and vulnerable people in general.

 

Bonito: Do you have a particular story you could share for us from your UNHCR and sport experience that truly touched your heart?

Stephen: I have had several moving experiences since joining UNHCR’s Sport Coordination Team, however, one encounter stands out.  In 2023 I participated in a SportNet training in the Nakivale Refugee Settlement in Uganda as part of an FC Barcelona Foundation supported sport for protection project.  One of the participants of the coaching programme, a refugee from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) with a physical disability, shared with me his story of fleeing from the DRC and journey to the Nakivale Refugee Settlement. I was struck by his resilience and the fact that he had fled conflict and journeyed such a distance. I enquired how he was able to make the journey with a heavy hand tricycle, and he responded,  “Different people helped me get here”. I found his response interesting as it is a reminder of the incredible resilience of people who are forced to flee their homes who overcome seemingly insurmountable odds to find protection and safety. It is also a reminder that we all need a helping hand in the face of adversity.

Bonito: Lets hope that humankind can find that shared need and will to both help other and to seek help when needed. Stephen its been such an honor to speak with you and find out more about the work you do at UNHCR- I cant think of a more important organization and so great to see that football has a place with your work.

Stephen: Thanks so much for the platform to share our work!

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BIO

Name: Stephen Reynard

Organization: The UN Refugee Agency, UNHCR

Role: Project Coordination Officer (Sport)

Favorite Football (or sport) for good organization apart from your own: There are so many incredible organizations in this space. I have a lot of respect for people and organizations who work tirelessly to improve the lives of other people in challenging situations. 

Favorite Football Club: Leeds United

Dream sport for good organization that you would love to collaborate with on a project: I would love to find more opportunities to work with refugee-led and women-led organisations interested in contributing to protection outcomes through port and play.

Mental health is one of the most critical public health challenges of our time, affecting nearly one billion people worldwide and contributing to the strain on national health care systems around the world. While traditional treatments such as therapy and medication remain essential, there is growing recognition of the power of sport—particularly football given its global popularity—in supporting mental well-being. The European Culture and Sport Organization (ECOS) is at the forefront of this movement, using football to promote social inclusion, emotional resilience and psychological recovery. Founded in 2017, ECOS runs projects that integrate football into mental health programs, demonstrating how the game can help alleviate anxiety and depression, rebuild self-confidence, and foster a sense of belonging for those who often feel excluded from society.

In an interview with ECOS President Valerio Di Tommaso, we explore how football provides the conditions necessary to improve both physical and mental health. More than just a sport, football offers structure, routine, and social connection—key elements in maintaining emotional well-being. Programs such as Crazy for Football and the European Alliance for Sport and Mental Health (EASMH) have shown that regular participation in football can enhance mood, lower stress levels, and create safe spaces where individuals can feel supported. For people experiencing social marginalization—such as those with mental health conditions, refugees, or young offenders—football serves as a bridge back into the community, breaking down stigma and offering a renewed sense of purpose. As discussions continue about the role of football clubs in society, ECOS’s work provides compelling evidence that sport should be recognized as a vital component of mental health care, not just in Europe but globally.

Bonito: Valerio, thanks so much for joining us on the Bonito platform!

Valerio: Thanks so much for having us- we are always happy to collaborate with Bonito and talk about the beautiful game.

Bonito: Could you please tell us a bit about the background of the European Culture and Sport Organization (ECOS)- when and why was it founded and how it works?

Valerio: The European Culture and Sport Organization (ECOS) was established  in 2017 and is recognized by the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI) through its affiliation with the sports promotion body OPES, which aims to develop projects and initiatives related to sports, culture, and all transversal activities—both direct and indirect—that use sports and culture as tools for economic and social growth.

Our main focus at ECOS is to carry out national, European, and international projects aimed at fostering integration and psychosocial well-being, preventing and combating individual difficulties and various forms of marginalization, with a special focus on minors, young people, and all socially vulnerable individuals.

The organization is particularly active in European programs and operates in various thematic areas, with a special focus on using sports and culture to enhance the psychological and physical well-being of individuals facing psychosocial challenges. The primary beneficiaries of ECOS projects are people experiencing hardship and social marginalization, such as individuals with mental health issues, young offenders, refugees, and immigrants.

Each project is implemented by a team of professionals based on the studies and research of a scientific committee composed of experts in the medical, sports, and social fields. The projects are carried out in partnership with universities, organizations, and national, European, and international institutions to achieve the best possible results in each specific area of action.

Bonito: The World Health Organization (WHO) highlights that nearly 1 billion people globally experience some form of mental health disorder. Yet, mental health often receives significantly less attention and resources from governments compared to physical health, despite the clear connection between the two. In this context, what role can sports play in bridging this gap and supporting mental well-being?

Valerio: Sport can play a fundamental role in bridging the gap between mental and physical health, serving as a powerful tool for holistic well-being. Firstly, physical activity is recognized as an effective means to reduce stress, improve mood, and prevent anxiety and depression. By triggering the release of endorphins and other beneficial neurotransmitters, sport contributes to enhancing mood and alleviating symptoms associated with mental health disorders.

Moreover, sport fosters social inclusion and strengthens community bonds, providing individuals with a sense of belonging and support. In vulnerable contexts, such as for young offenders, refugees, or individuals with mental health issues, sport creates a safe space to experience positive relationships, develop personal skills, and rebuild self-confidence.

From a prevention perspective, sport can be integrated into mental health promotion programs, both as part of therapeutic interventions and as a tool for raising awareness. Through structured activities combined with psycho-educational approaches, it is possible to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and drive cultural change in how these issues are perceived.

Bonito: Your organization stands out for its diverse range of EU-level programs centered on sports and mental health, including initiatives like Crazy for Football, Dream Euro Cup, European Alliance for Sport and Mental Health, and Energy. Could you provide more details about these programs and share the impact they’ve had on improving the mental health of the communities you serve?

Valerio: The Crazy for Football project is the first national five-a-side football team for people with mental health issues. Established in 2016, it has participated in two World Championships and one European Championship. The team, conceived by psychiatrist Dr. Santo Rullo, aims to promote the inclusion of sports in psychiatric rehabilitation programs and launch a communication campaign against the stigma of mental illness. The team members come from various Italian cities and gather periodically for training sessions. As part of the project, new player selections and social responsibility matches with companies—known as the Crazy Challenges—are also organized. The impact on the players participating in the project has been very positive: being part of the National Team motivates them to train regularly in their cities, which positively affects their psychophysical well-being.

The DEC project is the first European five-a-side football championship for people with mental health issues. It took place in Rome in September 2024 and involved 12 teams from across Europe. Alongside the championship, a scientific conference was held where representatives from participating nations discussed the role of sports as a complementary tool to pharmacological therapies.

The EASMH project created a network of mental health professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and sports professionals such as coaches, athletes, and sports managers, to jointly define new integrated models for safeguarding physical and mental health. As part of the EASMH project, training materials and tools were developed for sports instructors and healthcare professionals to promote the benefits of sports for the prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation of psychiatric disorders.

Bonito: Recent research, particularly in the UK, where the football governance bill is under discussion, explores how to quantify the value a football club brings to its community. In terms of mental health, would you agree that football clubs (and sports more broadly) play a crucial role in providing essential services that not only support mental well-being but also save the state resources that might otherwise be spent addressing societal challenges related to mental health?

Valerio: Yes, we absolutely agree that football teams and sports, in general, play a crucial role in supporting mental well-being and alleviating the burden on state resources allocated to addressing social challenges related to mental health. Our organization, ECOS, actively promotes the idea that sport should be used as a complementary tool in treatment pathways for mental health issues and other psychosocial challenges.

Sport, including football, is not just a physical activity but a powerful means of social inclusion, a channel to reduce stigma, and an opportunity to build positive relationships within communities. Additionally, sports are essential as a preventive tool: they promote psychological and physical balance, reduce stress and anxiety levels, and help prevent the worsening of situations of distress.

Through our projects, we work to demonstrate how sport can complement and enhance traditional approaches to mental health, providing benefits both at the individual and societal levels. We believe that investing in sport as a tool for prevention and care is a strategic choice to improve people’s well-being and optimize public resources.

Bonito: At Bonito, we often explore football’s unique ability to unite people. Feeling part of a community is vital for mental well-being. In a country like Italy, how does football contribute to fostering this sense of belonging—whether through participation in physical activity, membership in a local club, or even being part of a supporters’ group? Do you believe football can effectively fulfill a part of this need for connection and community?

Valerio: In Italy, football is much more than a sport—it is a key element of culture and collective identity. Through participation in physical activity, belonging to a local club, or supporting a team, football fosters a strong sense of connection and community. Stadiums, fields, and shared moments among fans become spaces of inclusion and belonging.

I believe football fulfills a deep need for connection and social cohesion, making it a powerful tool not only for entertainment but also for well-being and inclusion.

Bonito: Where do you see the future for the sport for mental health field? what kinds of projects do you see coming in the next round of EU funding?

Valerio: The future of the sport for mental health field is incredibly promising, with growing recognition at both national and European levels of the vital role physical activity plays in mental well-being. We anticipate a stronger integration of sport into public health policies, education systems, and workplace well-being initiatives.

In the next round of EU funding, we expect to see projects that focus on innovative and inclusive approaches to using sport as a tool for mental health. Programs like Erasmus+, CERV and Horizon Europe will continue to play a vital role in supporting these initiatives. As a non-profit organization, we look forward to leveraging these opportunities to design impactful projects that make sport a fundamental pillar of mental health promotion across Europe.

Bonito: What role do you see professional football players (and athletes in general) in the fight for mental health awareness through sport?

Valerio: We believe the role of professional football players and athletes in general is crucial in fighting the stigma surrounding mental health and promoting its care. As public figures and role models for many, athletes have the opportunity to raise awareness about these issues, showing that taking care of one’s mental health is normal and necessary, just like taking care of physical health.

Many people are afraid or hesitant to talk about mental health, often due to prejudice or shame. By sharing their own experiences and speaking openly about these topics, athletes can help normalize the conversation and encourage others to seek help. Their visibility can be a powerful tool to drive cultural change, emphasizing that mental health is an integral part of a person’s overall well-being.

Ultimately, athletes can inspire not only through their sports performances but also through their commitment to breaking taboos and promoting greater awareness and accessibility to mental health care.

Bonito: Valerio, thanks so much for joining us!

Valerio: My pleasure and keep up the good work!

Across Europe’s shores, a harrowing reality unfolds daily as countless migrants undertake perilous journeys in search of safety and opportunity. Fleeing war, persecution, and economic despair, they risk everything. For many the arrival in a new country is only the beginning of another battle—facing hostility, bureaucratic hurdles, and a desperate fight for belonging. In this era of unprecedented displacement, the plight of migrants calls for urgent action, empathy, and inclusive solutions that honor the courage it takes to seek a better life.

In this world where borders often divide and cultures can feel worlds apart, football is uniting. Few initiatives capture this better than I Speak Football, a program that uses the universal appeal of the beautiful game to bridge gaps between migrants and their new communities. Born from the belief that football transcends language, nationality, and background, I Speak Football is a lifeline for migrants navigating the challenges of displacement, offering them not just a place to play but a platform to belong. They show that football truly is a universal language.

As we mark International Migrants Day, I Speak Football stands as a testament to football’s unique ability to create connections and foster inclusion. Through its grassroots approach, the program empowers young migrants to build friendships, develop skills, and integrate into society—all through the simple, yet profound act of playing the game. It’s more than football; it’s a movement of hope, acceptance, and community.

Djibril Ayofe, founded I Speak Football five years ago, inspired by his personal struggles learning English as a migrant from The Ivory Coast. Traditional classroom methods were tough for the Ivorian turned UK resident, but he discovered that communication on the football pitch came naturally. Combining language learning with the sport he loves, Djibril created a project that makes learning accessible, fun, and engaging for migrants facing similar challenges. Driven by his own journey, he is now determined to ensure others have a smoother path toward integration, language skills, and a sense of belonging. Djibril was nice enough to share both his story and his vision for the future of his project with the Bonito Platform.

Bonito: Djibril, thank you so much for joining us on this International Migrants Day to speak about your wonderful program. Can you share your personal journey and how did your passion for football inspire you to create the I Speak Football program?

Djibril: I moved to the UK 9 years ago from the Ivory Coast. Thats a big change in culture and language. I was 17 years old, loved playing football, but speaking English as a second language made it challenging to take part in football activities with the other kids. Together with some friends we set up I Speak Football™ to support other young migrants and refugees to improve their English through football sessions that incorporate English language classes.

Bontio: Often migrants who come to a new contry face so many difficulties including communicating in a new language- thats where football can step in- what is it about football that seems to make it such a universal language no matter where you come from?

Djibril: For me, the game is the centre of anything we do, it’s exciting and always changing. It’s different in each country yet the same. I think that makes it like language. I know that wherever I have been I can go to a place and understand it. I also know that when I want to play well, I need to be able to communicate, and communicate quickly. This forces me to learn things that can help me succeed. I love the feeling of being part of a team and having a common goal, I want everyone that joins I Speak Football to feel that in their hearts. That we belong.

Bonito: How important is it for newcomers to have a safe and productive environment to learn the local language of their new country?

Djibril: Its very important but not just about the language- As migrants, it can feel like we have left the harder times behind, but unfortunately for many of us it still is quite difficult in our new countries. We are happy for the opportunity to learn the language and contribute to our new communities but we still carry baggage- the scars left behind from our journey. Working with experts in trauma-informed approaches has taught me a lot about how to approach sensitive issues, and also when to approach them. It has to be led by the individual and at their own pace. Many of the people that play don’t want to talk about their trauma, and that’s OK, but some do want to discuss it. We aren’t social workers or psychologists but we make sure we listen so that I Speak Football is a positive experience. 

Bonito: Can you tell us about the I Speak Football program in more detail and how it addresses the many barriers that new arrivals to countries often face in their efforts to integrate?

Djibril: Although the core of the program is language, mental health and football, we have quickly seen that our beneficiaries also need support in study readiness and employability skills. That’s why we’ve adapted some methodologies to have employability sessions as well as language sessions, and have added CV and interview workshops either as online sessions or in person to help them thrive in the community. With “the ball as the hook” we can do so much for these young people and help them integrate in their new communities. 

Bonito: The journey that many immigrants face in moving to their new countries often presents a tremendous strain on mental health- how does football help to improve that and to build further resilience going forward?

Djibril: I don’t know about other migrants, but for me it was an escape, somewhere I could go to feel comfortable and confident. It didn’t cost me much money, and no-one bothered me on the football pitch. Especially at first, it was the only place I felt OK. As I stayed longer here, it also gave me a sense of identity, Djibril the football player, Djibril the captain, and now Djibril from I Speak Football. I hope it provides other people that safe space, and a set of peers to learn and rely on- just like it has for me. We all need a safe lace to be authentic and feel we belong.

Bonito: Reflecting on your journey in football, is there a particular moment or experience that profoundly touched you and reinforced your commitment to this work?

Djibril:  Getting the coaching from the Chelsea FC, and Fulham FC coaches was amazing! Just knowing those people got to work with other Africans and amazing footballers was really inspiring. Many people come to the UK to play football and to have that support and see that badge was amazing for me. Watching new migrants come, and be shy, then grow more confident is really amazing for me- especially as I used to be very shy! 

Bonito: Where do you see this project developing over the next years? what are the plans for the future and for expanding?

Djibril: We are really excited for 2025, with new partners including GOALs, Loughborough University and others. We have fundraising targets for sessions in Chingford, Wembley and Camden. As well as expanding to areas where we can use I Speak Football as a tool to bring communities together. We think the riots this year showed that communities have a lot of problems, and football should be used as a tool to bring them together. So we want to add areas outside London, and especially those places dealing with lots of migration. We also have applied for funding to develop I Speak Football in Europe and America, and even a pilot with a wonderful basketball coach to start I Speak Basketball in Easter 2025. We have big plans, but are still learning. 

Bonito: How important are partnerships to a program like yours? local communities, mental health experts, language teachers- it feels like you need to have a really wide ranging team?

Djibril: We think of I Speak Football being a trio of language, football, and refugee/trauma-informed approaches. For each of these corners of the triangle we work with experts, and local representatives. We know that what might work in one area might not be right for others, or for different types of migrants. So we start by mapping partners, and working with refugee organisations to understand what are the barriers for integration in their community. Where possible we always try to work with local councils, mosques, churches, schools, and families to make sure we’re delivering what is really needed. We have to do this with local expert partners, so we do all of this through a trio partnership model in each area. The only core expertise is our board of directors, our technical football, refugee, and ESOL experts, and our amazing Refugee Advisory Board who meet each month to give us feedback and help us improve our programme delivery.

Bonito: we really congratulate you Djibril for this exciting program and cant wait to see it expand in the future- thanks so much for joining us today!

Djibril: Thanks so much for the platform on such an important day!

 

In the heart of Hull, a group of refugees and asylum seekers is finding a new home on the football field through Acorn FC. Supported by Sport England’s Active Through Football program, funded by the National Lottery and delivered by the Football Foundation.

Acorn FC is more than a club—it’s a family. Founded by Maureen Mulligan and Anei Akon, who named the team after his family name meaning “acorn,” Acorn FC has become a symbol of resilience and community.

In a powerful testament to football’s unifying spirit, Acorn FC in Hull stands as a pioneering force. The team, the first of its kind led by and for asylum seekers and refugees, was born from one young man’s simple request: a ball. Anei Akon and Maureen Mulligan met through Hull’s Welcome House, a charity supporting refugees. Anei’s desire to play football, combined with Maureen’s determination to help, led to the founding of Acorn FC. Through the support of Active Through Football, a consortium funded by Sport England and led by the Football Foundation, Acorn FC began to grow.

Today, the club represents more than a football team—it’s a family. With over 100 players from twelve nationalities, Acorn FC trains regularly, breaking barriers and building friendships that go beyond the pitch. The team’s journey to official affiliation with the East Riding County FA, overcoming traditional barriers of residency and financial support, is a result of collaborative efforts from Tigers Trust, Hull University, and the East Riding County FA. This strong network enabled the team to secure essentials like a pitch, gear, and even a 3G field at Hull University, leading to Acorn FC’s debut victory of 10-2.

The initiative, as part of the Football Foundation’s five-year commitment, has created a model for “football for good,” demonstrating how the sport can be a transformative tool in communities. The roots of Acorn FC have taken hold, providing structure, support, and a place for young players to dream and belong. This success highlights what can happen when football is used not just as a sport but as a social force for positive change.