Football as a bridge of inclusion: HNS implements the New Neighbors project for the third season in a row

World Refugee Day Celebration

Under the slogan “Around the World Without a Passport!”, World Refugee Day was celebrated on June 1, 2025, in Zagreb. The all-day program featured encounters, workshops, music, dance, stories, and food, bringing together new neighbors and the local community.

Highlights included:

• Arabic language, oriental sweets, and dance workshops

• An open dialogue platform

• A football tournament with representatives from more than 15 nations, confirming football as a powerful tool for connection and integration

• Traditional cuisine and messages about the role of sport in breaking down prejudices and building a society based on mutual respect

Youth Sports Day and Educational Support

That same weekend, a Youth Sports Day was held at NK Nur, where children learned about teamwork and leadership through sports and workshops.

In addition, the traditional “One Backpack, Many Success Stories” initiative provided refugee children with school bags and supplies to help them start the new school year.

Training, Cultural Mediation, and Legal Assistance

During the third season of the project, more than 20 adult refugees and migrants regularly trained and played football.

Football was chosen as a unifying activity for over 15 nations – from South Korea and Ukraine to Burundi and Uganda – who have found a new home in Zagreb.

The Center for Cultural Dialogue fielded two teams composed of players originally from Nigeria, Egypt, Syria, Iraq, and other countries. Alongside football activities, the Center also provided cultural mediation, translation services, and free legal assistance to families and individuals in the process of exercising their rights.

Team Branding and Increased Visibility

The New Neighbors football team received official branded gear – jerseys and tracksuits – strengthening both the team’s identity and the project’s visibility.

The project and its achievements have been presented to students, educators, and the wider public through a series of educational sessions, lectures, and international events, further confirming football as a tool of integration and social cohesion.

Looking Ahead

The next step will be the celebration of International Migrants Day, which will include a community gathering and social activities bringing together the New Neighbors football team, their families, and members of the local community.

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