The EuroHockey Foundation is proud to announce that it has formally joined the Sport for Refugees Coalition (SfRC) by signing the Multistakeholder Pledge on Sport for Inclusion and Protection of Refugees.

This commitment aligns the Foundation with a global movement using sport as a powerful tool for inclusion, protection, and opportunity for displaced people.

The pledge, developed through the Global Refugee Forum (GRF) framework, recognises the important role sport can play in helping refugees and displaced people rebuild confidence, strengthen life skills, improve wellbeing, and foster a sense of belonging within their communities.

A Commitment to Inclusion Through Hockey

As part of its commitment, the EuroHockey Foundation will work alongside the Olympic Refuge Foundation and a wide network of partners to expand access to safe, inclusive sporting opportunities for refugees and displaced communities across Europe.

Central to this commitment is the Foundation’s “Safe Places to Play” initiative, which aims to create welcoming and supportive environments where children and young people can participate in hockey, build connections, and develop the confidence to thrive in their new communities.

Through hockey’s European network, the Foundation will bring together clubs, municipalities, NGOs and international partners to deliver inclusive programmes that have lasting impact. The commitment includes:

• Prioritising refugee inclusion within the Foundation’s urban integration programmes.
• Supporting access to hockey and sporting opportunities for displaced communities.
• Creating safe, culturally sensitive and empowering environments.
• Building strong partnerships across the sport and humanitarian sectors.
• Measuring impact to demonstrate positive outcomes in wellbeing, participation and social cohesion.

Looking Ahead

By 2027, the Foundation aims to support access to sport for displaced people and host community members through inclusive programmes and improved sporting spaces across Europe.

The initiative will focus particularly on children and young people, women and girls, and people with disabilities.

Importantly, refugees and displaced people will be involved in the design and delivery of programmes, helping to ensure activities are relevant, sustainable and shaped by lived experience.

Working Together Through Sport

The Sport for Refugees Coalition was established at the first Global Refugee Forum in 2019 and brings together organisations committed to improving the lives of displaced people through sport.

By joining the coalition, the EuroHockey Foundation strengthens its commitment to creating opportunities where everyone, regardless of circumstance, has the chance to play, belong and thrive.

“Sport is far more than physical activity. It is a powerful tool for healing, connection and opportunity. Through hockey, we can help create welcoming communities where displaced people feel included, valued and able to build positive futures.”