The Maison des Réfugiés the 19th district of Paris was the scene of the emotional closure of the programme Terrains d'avenir, transformational who for three years has worked to promote the inclusion and well-being of more than 9,000 participants refugees and migrants in France through the sport.

The meeting brought together participants, representatives of the 6 partner associations and strategic partners of the programme, among them the Olympic Refuge Foundation and the Ministry of Sports of France. This occasion provided an opportunity to reflect on the achievements and give a voice to those who were a fundamental part of the project: participants and decision-makers that made this experience possible.

During the event, Jeroen Carrin, Senior Program Manager of the Olympic Refuge Foundation, highlighted the essence of the program: "We set out to build a sense of belonging, a feeling that transcends borders, status, and differences. To achieve this, we had to break down the barriers of access to the sport".

Thanks to the joint work of the associations and the funding provided from 2022, Terrains d'avenir not only provided safe spaces and accessible for the practice of sports, but also key tools for personal development and social integration of the participants.

In the course of the three years, concrete actions such as sports activities, adapted, training, and psychosocial support have allowed young people in situation of vulnerability they feel part of a community and have the opportunity to build new perspectives of life.

Futbol Mas, as one of the 6 participating associations, expressed his pride in having contributed to this project: "We are committed to inclusion through sport, and with the integral well-being of the youth. See the positive impact in so many participants it encourages us to continue working to transform realities".

The closure of Terrains d'avenir mark the end of a stage, but it also leaves an important legacy of cohesion, hope, and overcoming that will inspire future initiatives. The sport has proven to be a powerful tool to connect people beyond their differences and to build societies that are more inclusive and resilient.

On Terrains d'avenir

Terrains d'avenir it was an initiative funded by the Olympic Refuge Foundation in collaboration with the Ministry of Sports of France and conducted by a consortium of 6 associations, including Football. The program sought for three years to provide inclusive opportunities for young refugees and migrants in France through the sport, impacting positively on their lives and promoting coexistence.