By Jalene Jacob
Youth who once appeared withdrawn and distrustful are now engaging with peers, laughing on the field, and setting goals for the future. That’s the power of sports and community.
In a dusty corner of Niger, a country at the crossroads of migration routes, a groundbreaking initiative is quietly changing lives. A sports center is providing more than just a place to play games; it’s offering hope, healing, and the foundation for a brighter future for vulnerable youth.

Life as a Refugee
Niger has long been a host to refugees and migrants fleeing conflict, poverty and persecution in the Sahel region and beyond. Many of these individuals, particularly young people, arrive with physical and emotional scars from their tumultuous journeys. Forced to abandon their homes, these youth endure harrowing experiences, including violence and exploitation, often leaving them with profound trauma.
For many, the daily grind for survival exacerbates feelings of hopelessness, with little opportunity for education or personal growth.
The Healing Power of Sports
Sports have a universal power to unite and inspire. The sports center in Niger harnesses this power, providing vulnerable youth with a safe space to rediscover joy, build resilience, and develop essential life skills.
Here, football (soccer) and other team sports are more than mere recreational activities. They serve as therapy, helping participants process their trauma and regain a sense of normalcy. Through structured programs, young refugees learn teamwork, discipline, and communication, all skills they can carry into their personal and professional lives.
The center provides mentorship and psychological support. Coaches and counselors are trained to recognize the signs of trauma and offer guidance, fostering an environment where youth can rebuild their confidence and self-worth.
The Transformative Power of Sports
The sports center has already begun to transform lives. Many have expressed how the program has given them a renewed sense of purpose. In addition to individual benefits, the initiative promotes social cohesion. By bringing together refugees, migrants, and local Nigerien youth, the center fosters mutual understanding and reduces tensions in a region often strained by the influx of displaced populations.
It’s ‘More Than a Game.’
The impact of this initiative extends beyond the playing field. Empowered youth are more likely to pursue education and vocational training, contributing positively to their communities. As they heal and grow, they become ambassadors of resilience, inspiring others in their camp and beyond.
The center in Niger is a testament to the transformative power of sports. For vulnerable youth, it is a lifeline, a place where they can heal from the past, embrace the present, and dream of a brighter future.
In a world where conflict and displacement continue to uproot lives, initiatives like this remind us that sometimes, the most profound changes begin with something as simple as a game.
Sources
https://www.fondazionemilan.org/en/fondazione-milan-and-unhcr-together-in-niger
https://www.unhcr.org/us/about-unhcr/our-partners/sport-partners/unhcr-sport-strategy-2022-2026
https://rodakar.iom.int/news/iom-niger-adds-culture-sport-migrant-outreach-campaign-agadez
https://www.infomigrants.net/en/post/20790/sports-center-for-migrants-inaugurated-in-niger
https://www.unhcr.org/us/media/unhcr-sport-strategy-more-game