Case 1: Barcelona 1

Name of project / programme:

Year of start / opening:

Country:

Target group:

Age:

City size:

Type of sport:

Street Soccer Barcelona

2018

Norway

refugees, Social-economically disadvantaged

youth, adults

more than 100.000 inhabitants

Ball games (e.g. soccer, basketball, volleyball….)

Content of project / programme

Short description:

Street Soccer Barcelona is an association that uses soccer as a tool to foster social inclusion, empower youth, and promote community cohesion. Since 2018, it has been creating open and safe spaces for people in vulnerable situations, particularly young migrants, refugees, and the homeless. With a rights-based approach, the organization transforms sport into a powerful driver of social change, encouraging coexistence and dialogue within Barcelona’s neighborhoods. Through open sessions, organized teams, and soccer camps on public fields throughout the city, the program offers flexible and accessible participation. It also provides a safe, supportive environment that helps build positive social connections and promotes healthy habits through regular physical activity, access to showers, and daily snacks. Participants receive ongoing support from social organizations, ensuring personalized care, while community outreach efforts foster integration and mutual understanding. The program’s success is further strengthened by collaborations with social entities, the dedication of volunteers, and sustainable funding from institutional partners.

Long description:

Street Soccer Barcelona is an inclusive project that understands the practice of soccer as a tool for integration into the local community. It is aimed at a group at risk of social exclusion, especially young migrant children and adults. The initiative is based on soccer open sessions, soccer teams and soccer campuses/colonies that take place in different public soccer fields in Barcelona.

Several characteristics make Street Soccer an inspiring practice. On the one hand, considering that soccer is a globally recognized and valued sport, Street Soccer is an attractive and universal practice that attracts the participation of different people, especially young migrant boys. The program is designed to adapt to different realities and needs, and its ease and flexibility of access to practice is interesting for users as they can come and go without any commitment according to their needs. In addition, this initiative provides a safe and stable space where participants have the opportunity to create positive references and bonds for their well-being and integration. In addition, the regular practice of sports and the opportunity to shower and have a snack daily offer participants an opportunity to improve their healthy habits.

On the other hand, there is continuous monitoring of the participants by the different social entities, which allows them to adapt and attend to the individual needs of each person. The program also incorporates awareness-raising actions aimed at the local community, which promote mutual understanding and the collective commitment of the host society to the integration of the participants. There is a close relationship with different social entities that refer users, which reinforces the support network and increases the effectiveness and scope of the program. The commitment of the volunteers is also a fundamental pillar in the development of the initiative, as well as the economic sustainability offered by the different institutions through their financing.

Aspects of good practice:

  • Attractive and universal practice
  • Accessibility and flexibility
  • Safe and stable environment
  • Promotion of healthy habits
  • Personalized follow-up
  • Co-responsibility of the host society
  • Coordination with collaborating entities
  • Volunteer commitment
  • Economic sustainability

Credit: Street Soccer Barcelona

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