Unity EURO Cup: Enhancing social inclusion through football
Tuesday, October 1, 2024
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Here's everything you need to know about the tournament held in partnership with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
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The Unity EURO Cup is more than just a football tournament – it's a celebration of the sport's power to unite communities, regardless of background.
Organised by UEFA in collaboration with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the tournament brings together refugees and local players from host communities to promote social inclusion through sport.
UEFA and UNHCR, who have worked in partnership since May 2021, share a commitment to using football as a tool for social inclusion.
Under UEFA's Football Sustainability Strategy 2030, there is a strong focus on promoting the integration of refugees through sport, while UNHCR's Sport Strategy – More Than a Game – aligns with this vision, focusing on the role of sport in enhancing the lives of displaced people.
"Football is a unifying force in a world burdened by barriers," said UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin. "This tournament beautifully exemplifies our sport's profound impact on people's lives and promotes the values that UNHCR and UEFA stand for.
"Starting in unfamiliar surroundings is often challenging, but football can act as a powerful catalyst for integration and connection. It fosters understanding and unlocks opportunities for structured engagements and experiences that can genuinely affect our communities."
The Unity EURO Cup follows a seven-a-side format and features 33 matches. Each of the 16 teams consists of eight refugee players and four players from host communities, including at least three women.
A national football personality serves as an ambassador for each team, promoting the message of inclusion and supporting their team during the tournament.
The first Unity EURO Cup was held in Nyon in 2022, with Germany winning the tournament after defeating hosts Switzerland in the final. In Germany in 2023, Finland took home the trophy after beating the Republic of Ireland. In 2024, Latvia lifted the trophy at UEFA HQ in Nyon, Switzerland.
Almost half of the national associations involved in the tournament have now adopted the Unity EURO Cup's model at a domestic level, further extending the tournament's positive impact across Europe.
The event has also helped solidify partnerships between UEFA members and UNHCR's country operations, providing a tangible example of the effective partnership between the two organisations.
"This tournament is a great example of how sport can unite individuals and communities, break down cultural barriers and empower people," said Filippo Grandi, UNHCR's High Commissioner.
"Providing people whose lives have been severely affected by war, conflict, discrimination or persecution with opportunities to engage in sport can help them heal, strengthen their skills – or help develop new ones – and feel included."
Unity EURO Cup 2024
The 2024 edition of the Unity EURO Cup took place on 10 October at the Colovray Sports Centre in Nyon, Switzerland, next door to UEFA's headquarters.
This year, nearly 200 players from 16 teams competed in a total of 33 matches. These teams represent the national football associations of Armenia, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Latvia, Malta, the Netherlands, Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, Slovenia, Spain and Switzerland. Additionally, a team of Ukrainian refugees from across Europe represented their homeland Ukraine.
Following the final match, UEFA and UNHCR hosted a high-level panel discussion on "Refugee Inclusion Through Sport."
Moderated by Pedro Pinto, key speakers include UNHCR High Commissioner Filippo Grandi, UEFA Vice-President Laura McAllister and Célia Šašić, EURO 2024 and Team Germany ambassador, and Mary Edonga, Unity EURO Cup 2024 Team Northern Ireland refugee player.
Football plays a great role in my life. I fled South Sudan because there is a civil war and came to Northern Ireland. It was a long and stressful journey. In Northern Ireland, I started playing football and it was a life-changing. When I play football, I'm just happy, I met new people, I learnt a new language and different cultures. It's like a big family.
"It makes me very proud that we (UEFA) put resources, time and attention towards bringing people together across the world to play football. Once you have your kit on, there is a sense of belonging and camaraderie which is just wonderful to see."