Sport has always been central to HIRDA’s approach to youth development and community building. It is not just about physical activity; it is about creating spaces for young people to connect, learn, and contribute positively to society. Our sports programs spanned both Somalia and the Somali diaspora in Europe, using football and basketball as tools for integration, peace, and dialogue.
The Annual Football Tournament (AFT) in Amsterdam brought together Somali youth from across the Netherlands, Belgium, the UK, and beyond. These tournaments were not only about competition—they were platforms for discussion, cultural expression, and networking. Held on Somali Independence Day, the 2017 summer tournament symbolized unity and pride, featuring debates on youth challenges such as unemployment and radicalization. Somali media and artists amplified the message, showing how sport can unite communities across borders.
In Somalia, HIRDA used sport as a means of fostering peace in communities divided by conflict. By organizing local tournaments, we encouraged teamwork, mutual respect, and healthy alternatives to violence. Sport offered youth a constructive outlet for energy and frustration, reducing the risk of marginalization or recruitment by extremist groups.
Sport projects also supported diaspora integration in the Netherlands. For young people at risk of social exclusion, football provided a safe environment to build friendships, develop skills, and gain confidence. Combined with mentorship and dialogue, these initiatives promoted resilience, identity, and a sense of belonging.
By linking sport with social change, HIRDA demonstrated its unique ability to bridge generations and geographies. Sport is not a side activity; it is a powerful tool for empowerment, inclusion, and peacebuilding.