The Barca Foundation and UNICEF have just published a study on the mental health of adolescent refugees and the impact of a Sport for Development (S4D) program on psychological well-being. CHEERing helped to implement the study in Athens in 2022, by bringing young players to the table to share their views on sport and psychological health.

“Winning the Game: How Sport for Development supports the psychological well-being of adolescent refugees” shares the mixed-methods study conducted in 2022 by UNICEF and the Barça Foundation with program partners CHEERing in Athens and Movement on the Ground in Lesbos.

The report includes key findings on the psychological well-being of adolescent refugees and how sport may influence their mental health. According to the study, by consistently participating in S4D, adolescent refugees report feeling enjoyment, safety, and a sense of belonging – and the key ingredient is effective coaches.

Check out the full report, study details, findings, and lessons learned here.