Building inclusive cities through sport: Supporting refugee youth through community-based recreation

From soccer fields to basketball courts and skating rinks, sport creates accessible spaces where refugees can rebuild a sense of belonging and develop vital life skills. These opportunities not only help overcome the trauma and disruption of displacement, but also nurture resilience and confidence. In line with paragraph 86 of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action, which advocates for the use of education and sport to challenge neo-fascist nationalism, racism and xenophobia, cities around the world are increasingly embracing sport as a vehicle for social cohesion. This article explores how community-based recreation can be a powerful tool against xenophobia and a catalyst for inclusive urban futures, especially for refugee youth facing intersecting barriers.

Understanding young refugees’ journeys

Refugee journeys are multifaceted and non-linear, often involving multiple maneuverings across borders before finally “arriving.” Migration is frequently depicted as a progression from refugee to permanent resident to citizen, with each phase bringing greater stability. However, “arriving” in a destination country can be just as complex, especially for youth.

Research shows that refugee youth are disproportionately vulnerable to culture shock, separation from family, language barriers, and exclusion from both home and host country. Limited access to education, employment, and integration opportunities also increases their risk of labour exploitation, sexual and gender-based violence, and racial discrimination—threatening long-term health and well-being.

How sport supports the inclusion of refugee youth

Sport offers displaced youth a space to engage socially, express themselves freely, and build resilience. It bridges cultures, communities, and generations, creating shared experiences and fostering belonging. When designed intentionally, sport programs can reduce isolation, promote intercultural understanding, and empower youth. Sport participation among refugee youth can yield transformative outcomes:

Social integration: Team sports encourage interaction and understanding across diverse backgrounds, nurturing a sense of belonging. Youth form friendships, learn local customs, and feel more at home in their new communities.

Skill development: Sports programs build essential life skills—interpersonal relationships, leadership, teamwork, peer acceptance, and positive identity—enhancing success in school, work, and social life.

Mental health and well-being: Physical activity relieves anxiety and provides a constructive outlet for youth navigating trauma or social exclusion.

Motivation and opportunity: Sport can inspire youth to pursue scholarships, education, or athletic careers, opening pathways out of poverty and marginalization.

How sport has changed lives: Lessons from Canadian cities

Across Canadian municipalities, innovative sport programs are delivering tangible results for refugee youth. In Hamilton, Ont., Empowerment Squared (E2) offers a flagship soccer program for newcomer youth, where I served as Soccer Coach in 2022. The program goes beyond physical activity, providing mentorship, academic support, and leadership training for newcomer children and youth. According to E2, over 200 youth participated in recreation programming in 2022, many citing improved self-confidence, interpersonal skills, and connection to peers and mentors.

Similarly, in Ottawa, Ont., Active Newcomer Youth Ottawa (ANYO) runs the Coping Mental Health Through Soccer initiative for low-income, racialized, and refugee youth aged 18 to 30. The program engaged 980 youth in 2023, offering culturally sensitive environments to support mental health and community-building for youth to recover, connect, and thrive.

Municipal governments also play a critical role. The City of Ottawa’s Play Free initiative offers free access to swimming, skating, and fitness activities for youth aged 17 and under, eliminating barriers for low-income and refugee families. These programs show how cities can directly advance inclusion through recreation—regardless of income or immigration status.

What makes these programs work?

Successful sport programs share several key features:

Collaborative partnerships: Programs involving academia, NGOs, governments, and community groups have greater reach. For example, E2’s partnership with McMaster University has expanded access to resources, scalability, and potential for impact.

Accessibility and infrastructure: Free or low-cost programs, facility access and transportation support drive participation. The Ottawa Sport Council offers grants to help grassroots initiatives reduce financial and structural barriers.

Youth engagement: Recreational programs like ANYO engage youth, ensuring that they have access to social and peer-led mutual support to increase mental health wellness.

Cultural sensitivity and inclusion: Programs that celebrate diversity and foster affirming spaces help refugee youth feel seen, respected, and empowered.

Challenges and opportunities

Despite the successes of local initiatives, challenges persist. Language barriers, transportation gaps, and financial constraints continue to hinder participation. Many sports programs also depend on temporary or project-based funding, limiting their sustainability.

Yet, these challenges create opportunities for innovation and policy change. Cities can better coordinate recreation, health, and settlement services, and adopt inclusive urban planning. Strategic funding and long-term municipal commitments are essential to sustaining and expanding access to sport for newcomer communities.

Localizing and scaling anti-discrimination efforts in sport

To build inclusive cities and scale successful models, municipalities and community organizations should:

• Integrate equity and inclusion into sport policy and funding: Include clear metrics and funding criteria that prioritize underserved populations, including refugee youth.
• Coordinate across sectors: Align recreation, health, education, and settlement supports to provide wraparound care for newcomer youth and streamline access to resources.
• Commit to sustainable funding: Invest in long-term municipal funding that supports program continuity and scalability.
• Design with, not for, communities: Partner with newcomer-led groups to ensure cultural relevance and targeted responsiveness.
• Train coaches in cultural competency and trauma-informed care: Equip leaders with tools to create inclusive, healing environments.
• Embed anti-racism in sport leadership training: Foster inclusive leadership at all levels.

By localizing sport-based strategies and embedding equity at every stage, cities can actively combat discrimination and build vibrant, connected communities where all youth have the opportunity to thrive.

Conclusion: A call to action

Sport is far more than play—it’s a critical tool for building inclusive cities and strengthening community bonds. As demonstrated through initiatives like E2 and ANYO, sport programs that are accessible, collaborative, and culturally inclusive have the power to transform lives. Municipalities, community leaders, and policymakers must recognize and invest in sport not as a luxury, but as a vital pathway toward equitable and inclusive urban futures.

About the author

Astara van der Jagt is a Research Manager and Social Equity Advocate, who works at the intersection of gender equity, violence prevention, and collective impact. With M.A. research on climate-induced displacement and expertise in program development, policy advocacy, and strategic communications, she has collaborated with 30+ organizations in 12 countries to build safe, equitable and resilient communities through women's economic empowerment, climate inclusion, and inter/national research and programs on gender-based violence prevention.

Banner image: ANY Ottowa