VIENNA, Austria — England women’s footballer Lucy Bronze is one of the most decorated players of all time. Bronze is also a supporter of the UN Refugee Agency, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). She uses her platform to champion the rights of displaced people and support “opportunities that offer stability, dignity and hope for the future.” She recently traveled to Colombia with fellow player Ona Batlle to show the benefits of football for refugees integrating into new communities. Just a quick kick-about, and Bronze fostered a connection and learned about the children’s stories.
The Refugee Crisis in Colombia
Colombia is currently experiencing one of the world’s largest internal displacement crises. Clashes between the Colombian government and Revolutionary Armed Forces have led to shortages of food and medicine, increased crime rates, disappearances and gang warfare. After the 2016 Peace Agreement led to a stalemate, internal displacement has only increased. It is estimated there are currently approximately 7 million internally displaced persons (IDPs). The number of annual IDPs doubled from 2024 to 2025.
Colombia also has the largest intake of refugees from Venezuela. The UNHCR reports that there are currently 8 million people who have fled the country due to increased crime, inflation and shortages of essentials. Out of this number, around 3 million are in Colombia, accounting for the largest diaspora in Latin America and the world.
Reaching Children and Adolescents
The benefits of football for refugees are particularly apparent in displaced children and adolescents. In Colombia, 34% of all refugees are part of this age group and are particularly vulnerable to forced recruitment by armed groups, exploitation and abuse.
Bronze spoke on how the sport can be used to foster connection and build communities. She said: “Football has a way of breaking down barriers that nothing else can. These children deserve safety, dignity, and the chance to build a future, just like any other child.”
Bronze is not alone in her thinking. Providing young people with a safe place to socialize can help reduce involvement in crime and foster social cohesion to help lighten tensions between groups. Physical activity also has therapeutic benefits for those who have experienced trauma.
Other Projects Using the Sport
The sport has often been used by refugee associations to support and empower refugees. In 2022, the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) worked with UNHCR to create the UNITY EURO Cup, a football tournament for displaced persons. UEFA also launched the Football and Refugee Grant Scheme in 2017, which provides financial support for projects by national associations using football to promote social inclusion and well-being. In the current season, it hopes to focus specifically on female displaced persons.
Amnesty’s Football Welcomes program celebrates the benefits of football for refugees and the contribution those with a refugee background have made to the sport. In 2025, it also focused on the women’s game. In addition to funding a Women’s Football Officer for the program, it released guidance on engaging refugee women and girls in football. The England Lionesses’ success at the European Championship in 2022 and 2025 has increased the popularity and visibility of the women’s game in the U.K., inspiring greater support for vulnerable girls and women worldwide.
Looking Ahead
This speaks to the vital work Bronze is doing to be a role model for girls and women on and off the pitch. The benefits of football for refugees are multifaceted and far-reaching. Helping the most vulnerable through fun and exercise and many in the sport maintain a commitment to this work.
– Louise Nethercott
Louise is based in Vienna, Austria and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.
Photo: Flickr