Soccer Without Borders

06/22/2026

Every World Cup creates new heroes. Some of the most powerful stories, however, began long before the first whistle.

Through its Gamechangers initiative, UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is sharing the stories of players whose lives have been shaped by forced displacement. Their journeys remind us that where someone starts in life does not define what they can achieve.

At SWB, these stories resonate deeply. Every day, we see young people discover confidence, connection, and belonging through the global game. Their experiences are a reminder that talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not.

Thank you to UNHCR for allowing us to share these powerful stories and help amplify their message.

06/20/2026

When the world gets to see you shine… ✨

For many of our participants from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), seeing their country reach the World Cup is more than a soccer milestone — it’s a reminder of identity, community, and the power of being seen on the world stage. 🗺️

This World Refugee Day, we’re celebrating the stories, dreams, and voices of our youth. Nearly 900 SWB participants from the DRC have found community through our programs over the last five years — and today, they’re sharing what this historic moment means to them. 🇨🇩

06/20/2026

Today is World Refugee Day, a time to recognize the strength, resilience, and contributions of refugees around the world while reaffirming our collective responsibility to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to live in safety and dignity.

This year's theme, "Until Everyone is Safe," is both a call to action and a reminder that safety means more than protection from harm. It means having a place to belong, a community that welcomes you, and the opportunity to play, learn, and grow.

The need remains urgent. According to UNHCR's latest Global Trends Report, 117.8 million people were forcibly displaced worldwide at the end of 2025, meaning 1 in every 70 people on Earth had been forced to flee their homes. Nearly 39% were children.

We are proud to stand alongside partners across the globe as a member and co-convenor of the Sport for Refugees Coalition, working to ensure that displaced young people have access to safe, inclusive spaces where they can thrive. As the coalition reminds us this World Refugee Day: until everyone is safe, our work continues.

06/19/2026

Today, we celebrate Juneteenth and the generations of Black leaders, educators, mentors, and community builders who are helping shape a more just future.

Wishing everyone a happy and meaningful Juneteenth 2026.

06/17/2026

Soccer may be the world's game, but its impact is deeply personal.

In this story from WMAR-2 News Baltimore, SWB alumnus and Board Member Warshan Hussin reflects on arriving in Baltimore as a newcomer and how soccer helped him find friendship, confidence, and a sense of belonging.

Years later, he continues to give back to the community that helped shape his journey.

We're grateful to WMAR-2 News for highlighting Warshan's story and the many ways soccer can help young people feel at home.

Read more below.

Warshan Hussin came to Baltimore from Iraq, not speaking English. Soccer Without Borders gave him a community — and now he's giving back as a board member.

06/15/2026

On a soccer field in northeast Baltimore, coach Hajar Abulfazl is surrounded by her players after practice at Soccer Without Borders, a non-profit organization with chapters across the United States and around the world, which helps underserved youth, particularly refugees and newcomers to the U.S.,...

06/15/2026

The World Cup brings people together in so many different ways, and our community is no exception. 🌎⚽

We asked SWB participants who they think will win it all, and the predictions are in!

Who are you cheering for this summer? Let us know in the comments ⬇️

06/11/2026

As the world comes together to celebrate the beautiful game, we're proud to premiere A Field Called Home, a story about the opportunities that can emerge when more people have the chance to be part of it.

Created by award-winning filmmakers Avocados and Coconuts for SWB's 20th Anniversary, this new short documentary follows four SWB alumni coaches whose journeys led them from newcomers to mentors, leaders, and role models for the next generation.

🎬 Watch the full film: https://hubs.li/Q04l3v0b0

06/05/2026

We are incredibly proud to be an official delegation of Festival 26! ⚽🌎

In exactly one month, youth from SWB Massachusetts and SWB Maryland will travel to Boston for 9 days of leadership development, cultural immersion, and sport for good programming, learning and playing alongside more than 400 young people from around the world.

Festival 26 is a global youth gathering developed to harness the power of sport to create transformative opportunities for young people. Hosted by and with support from , Festival 26 will give all participants the opportunity to expand their cross-cultural knowledge, deepen their understanding of sport for impact, and visit one of the U.S.'s most historical cities as it plays host to the 2026 World Cup.

We can't wait to get there! To learn more about Festival 26, visit https://hubs.li/Q04k858l0

06/03/2026

For many young people at Soccer Without Borders, putting on a jersey means more than getting ready for a game.

It means being part of a team.
It means showing up knowing you belong.
It means seeing yourself as a teammate, and a valued member of your community.

Those moments matter, especially for youth who are navigating a new school, a new language, and more.

Since 2019, our partnership with Capelli Sport Football has helped make those moments possible for thousands of participants across our programs. Together, we've helped ensure that young people step onto the field feeling welcomed, confident, and connected from day one.

As we celebrate 20 years of SWB, we're grateful for partners who invest in more than the game. They invest in the experience of belonging.