Seixal / Portugal
Key-stakeholders involved:
Seixal Clube 1925 implements a social responsibility project jointly with the Portuguese Red Cross named “A Bola Mágica” whose aim is to integrate young refugees into their football teams. The goal is also to raise awareness and strengthen the intercultural bonds between people from different countries.
Beyond the regular practice of football, the club also organises one-day events to create bonds with the community. These events are instrumental to providing opportunities for integration.
A one-day activity was dedicated to young refugees from Afghanistan; it involved more than 100 people and revolved around a football game and a city tour. A similar activity, which gathered a similar number of participants, targeted young refugees from different countries and included men’s 7-a-side football tournament, women’s football activities, play area (human table football, painting studio).
All participants of various nationalities and different cultures were able to enjoy a great environment of conviviality and harmony.
A total of 4 Afghan refugees currently play in the junior teams of the Sétubal Football Association and one of them is already registered with the Portuguese Football Federation, and was district junior champion in the 2nd division of the Setúbal Football Association in the 2021/2022 season; in the season 2022/2023 he was part of the same junior team that competed in the district championship of the 1st division of the Setúbal Football Association.
Following these initiatives, Seixal Clube 1925 was invited by the Portuguese Institute of Sport and Youth (IPDJ) to participate in the documentary and photographic exhibition “Objectiv’a Paz”, under the theme “Human rights, Youth, Peace and Security”. This exhibition was intended to showcase sport as a vehicle for promoting gender equality, social inclusion, human rights, tolerance and peace.
Partnerships with municipal authorities, NGOs and other sport clubs have been fundamental to achieving impact.
Seixal Club 1925
Ricardo Borges
seixalclube1925.comercial@gmail.com
JRS (Serviço Jesuíta aos Refugiados) / PAR (Plataforma de Apoio aos Refugiados)
Dra. Joana Fraga
joana.fraga@jrs.net
Cruz Vermelha Portuguesa
Paulo Mota
youngbirds@cruzvermelha.org.pt
Fundação Benfica
Diretor General
Dr. Jorge Miranda
jorge.miranda@slbenfica.pt