After the resounding success of last year’s inaugural event, the Unity EURO Cup returns for its second edition, as UEFA and UNHCR (the UN Refugee Agency) utilise the unifying power of football to strengthen bonds between host communities and displaced individuals. The tournament will take place at the UEFA Respect Forum in Frankfurt, Germany, on June 28 and 29, showcasing the transformative impact of sports in promoting integration and well-being.
As part of the UEFA Football Sustainability Strategy 2030, UEFA actively promotes the inclusion of refugees, asylum seekers, and displaced persons within host communities through football. By harnessing the universal language of the sport, UEFA fosters teamwork, physical activity, social interaction, and a sense of belonging among diverse individuals.
The UNHCR Sport Strategy, titled “More than a Game,” highlights the role of sports and sports organizations in improving the lives of displaced and stateless people, facilitating their integration with host communities.
The inaugural Unity EURO Cup, held in 2022, exemplified the profound influence football can have in bringing people together. Eight teams representing their host countries participated in the tournament, offering participants the opportunity to compete internationally and showcase their talent.
This year’s edition will feature 16 teams representing Armenia, Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Latvia, Malta, the Netherlands, Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, Spain, Switzerland, Ukraine, and the European Union. The seven-a-side tournament will involve over 170 young individuals from refugee and host communities, converging at SC Weiss-Blau, a local football club in Frankfurt.
The final match, officiated by renowned referee Felix Brych, will be held at the nearby DFB Campus, bringing the tournament to an exciting climax. The Unity EURO Cup welcomes visitors from 09:30 to 15:00 CEST, providing a platform for all to witness the power of football in breaking down barriers and fostering inclusion.
Each team will consist of eight refugee players and three non-refugee players, including at least two women. This emphasis on diversity and gender inclusion serves as a reminder of football’s ability to bridge gaps and create a sense of unity. Additionally, 16 esteemed ambassadors will be present to support their respective teams, further emphasizing the importance of the event.
The Malta Football Association, through its FSR Department, is proud to participate in the Unity EURO Cup for the second consecutive year. Building on the success of the first edition, UEFA and UNHCR have expanded the tournament to include 15 teams, each representing a European country. The event, scheduled from June 28, will be held at the DFB Campus in Frankfurt, welcoming approximately 165 youths from refugee and host communities.
The UEFA Unity Euro Cup aims to enhance the lives of displaced people through the transformative power of football. By supporting refugees, asylum-seekers, and internally displaced individuals, UEFA strives to promote their physical and mental well-being while fostering their inclusion within host communities. The UNHCR Sport Strategy outlines the significant role of sports organizations in improving the lives of displaced and stateless people.
The enthusiasm surrounding the Unity EURO Cup is evident, with European Parliament representatives, such as Roberta Metsola, joining forces with the Maltese team in preparation for the tournament. Additionally, the European Commission, alongside EURO-winning captain Theo Zagorakis, Matja Nemec, TFrankowski21, Team EU, Common Goal, and RheinFlanke, will participate in the competition, showcasing the power of football in promoting inclusion.
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