Sevan team wins the Solidarity Cup of the “Integration Through Football” programme

The Football Federation of Armenia (FFA), in cooperation with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the FIFA Foundation, is implementing the annual “Integration Through Football” programme.

The programme was launched at the beginning of this year, with 15 teams formed for children with refugee status. Coaches were assigned to the teams to lead the children’s training sessions. The children were also provided with the necessary sports equipment.

The programme concluded with the Solidarity Cup tournament. The teams from Abovyan, Vanadzor, Sevan and Yerevan reached the finals. The final was contested between the Yerevan and Sevan teams, with Sevan lifting the Solidarity Cup, reports the FFA website.

“The main objective of the programme is to promote the social inclusion, participation in community life and integration of children with refugee status through football. The ‘Integration Through Football’ programme once again highlights the important role of sport in fostering friendship, solidarity and mutual respect among children, as well as ensuring their full participation in society,” said Artur Sahakyan, Adviser to the FFA President and Head of the Grassroots and Amateur Football Department.

“Tournaments like this make a significant contribution to children’s personal development and help them develop team spirit and leadership qualities. All of this helps refugee children, as well as others, feel at home, make friends and develop an even greater love for football. For us, sport is one of the most important means of promoting solidarity. Through sport, children not only improve their physical fitness but also acquire essential life skills and values, including discipline, resilience, willpower and respect for their opponents,” emphasized Kiri Atri, Head of External Relations at UNHCR.

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