Talent from Africa and the middle east take to the local football field on the Greek island of Lesvos.

Football is a great leveler—it helps to build community, establish friendships, and promote physical and emotional well-being. On Lesvos, Red Cross is working with the local community and camp residents at Moria migrant camp to build the resilience of young men, some of whom have trained to be or were professional footballers in their home country.

Getting out of the football field is one of the ways migrants and refugees are looking after themselves on the Greek island of Lesvos. The benefits of exercise and community that team sports promote are having an immediate and much needed impact for people staying in cramped camp conditions.

The Danish Red Cross, together with Hellenic Red Cross, is working with the camp community at the Moria migrant reception centre and the Moria village football club to run training and competitions for the many talented footballers among the camp community. In return, the footballers have offered to renovate the club’s locker rooms, painting and fixing up the facilities.

Special thanks to International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, Hellenic Red Cross and Danish Red Cross.

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[This article was written by Anita Dullard/IFRC and edited by the Operating Team]

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