The Irish FA Foundation’s work with refugees and asylum seekers has been recognised by UEFA.
European football’s governing body has awarded 40,000 euros to the association for 2024-25 to enable it to directly help refugees and asylum seekers within Northern Ireland.
Foundation staff run regular coaching sessions at various facilities to accommodate as many groups as possible.
As part of a focus on integration, tickets to games as well as stadium tours are also provided. And the Foundation runs tournaments for teams formed by refugees.
Michele Uva, UEFA’s Director of Social and Environmental Sustainability, revealed an unprecedented number of national associations are participating in the eighth edition of the UEFA Refugee Grants programme.
The Irish FA was among 29 applicants in 2024-25. An independent jury of experts carefully evaluated all applications and awarded grants.
In an email to the association, Uva further said: “Thank you for your support to forcibly displaced people, a particularly vulnerable group in our society, and your contribution to European football’s advocacy work on behalf of refugees.”
As part of the Foundation’s work with refugees and asylum seekers a Refugee National Coaching Certificate (NCC) and Connect programme for male and female refugees are delivered.
Participants are also signposted to volunteer opportunities within the Foundation and clubs.
John Marshall, Community Engagement Officer with the Irish FA Foundation, pointed out the association has also fielded teams representing Northern Ireland in the Unity Cup over the past two years. The teams feature refugees and amateur players from here.
He said: “The Unity Cup, which is run by UEFA in partnership with UNHCR – the UN Refugee Agency, is a powerful testament to the spirit of community and inclusion.
“The competition has enabled us to showcase the talent developed through our recreational football centres, which have been established thanks to previous UEFA refugee grants. It has also helped us to highlight a pathway into our local amateur game for refugees through connections with clubs and Unity Cup players.
“The Unity Cup helps to foster understanding and connections among diverse cultures. It emphasises that sport transcends boundaries, creating a platform where shared experiences can thrive and lasting friendships can be formed.
“The Irish FA/Irish FA Foundation recognises that through projects like the Unity Cup we are not just playing a game, we are building a united community that celebrates diversity and empowers every individual to contribute to our collective success.”
The Foundation’s Community Engagement Manager, Mark Dennison, welcomed the latest funding boost.
He said 2024 had been the most successful year by way of participation and that was testimony to the staff and players who took part.
He added: “We are delighted to have been awarded funding from UEFA to continue the excellent work with the refugee community and look forward to the Unity Cup in 2025.”
Image: The Northern Ireland team enjoyed taking part in the Unity Cup last year.