Fortune, Vanessa, Kalocsanyiova, Erika ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3535-1084, Essex, Ryan ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3497-3137, Sanders, Alan, Parish, Matt and Morgan, Jason (2026) Football as a tool to support refugees: results from a scoping review; with critical commentary from football in the community charities. Sport in Society: Cultures, Commerce, Media, Politics. pp. 1-21. ISSN 1743-0437 (Print), 1743-0445 (Online) (doi:10.1080/17430437.2026.2741833)

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Abstract

In the context of global forced migration, researchers, practitioners and policy makers are increasingly considering and turning to sport, including football, as a resource to support refugees and those with refugee-like experiences. This scoping review examines available research on the role of football programmes implemented with refugees internationally. It also critically reviews the scientific literature, drawing on insights from several decades’ worth of combined experience from practitioners working in UK-based football in the community charities. Overall, the review suggests that football has the potential to support belonging, social connection, identity (re)construction, and wellbeing. However, its impact depends on adequate programme design, resourcing, and attention to wider structural conditions. The review also highlights that football is not a standalone solution, as it cannot address all barriers to social participation and integration, although the benefits it generates may, in some cases, translate into gains in broader areas of refugees’ lives.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	refugees, forced migrant, asylum seeker, football, practice insights
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General) H Social Sciences > HT Communities. Classes. Races R Medicine > RC Internal medicine > RC1200 Sports Medicine
Faculty / School / Research Centre / Research Group:	Faculty of Education, Health & Human Sciences > Institute for Lifecourse Development > Centre for Mental Health Faculty of Education, Health & Human Sciences Faculty of Education, Health & Human Sciences > Institute for Lifecourse Development Faculty of Education, Health & Human Sciences > School of Human Sciences (HUM)
Last Modified:	22 Oct 2026 13:58
URI:	https://gala.gre.ac.uk/id/eprint/54810

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