Mary arrived in Belfast from South Sudan in the summer of 2021. Refugees in Belfast find friends, freedom and confidence through football Refugees and Migrants
Mary, a student at the University of Manchester, came to Belfast from South Sudan with her younger brother in the summer of 2021, when she was 18 years old. Since the brother was a minor, he was immediately placed under guardianship. And Mary was put up in a hotel. The first weeks in the new city, Mary’s main companions were anxiety and loneliness.
“The first day I set foot in Belfast, everything seemed strange,” she recalls. – The weather was cold, although it was summer. The culture, the language – everything was new to me. I felt alone.”
Everything changed when Mary heard about Street NI’s refugee soccer program through its Street Soccer initiative.
“I was so happy,” she says. – I was very worried and didn’t know anyone… and then I started playing football, joined Street Soccer – and everyone turned out to be amazing. The people, the coaches – everyone was friendly.”
Street NI was founded by Justin McMinn to support vulnerable people in Belfast. Over time, the organization grew and began to include refugees in its programs. Today, Street NI offers not only football training, but also language courses, help with food and clothing, gym access and volunteering opportunities.
One of the best parts of his job, Justin says, is seeing how football brings people together and helps them overcome the challenges of living in a new country.
Justin McMinn, founder of Street NI.
“The great thing about Street Soccer and the power of football is its ability to bring communities together,” he says. – At first we worked with Protestant and Catholic communities, “built bridges”, fought against interfaith hatred. And in recent years we have started to include refugees – now we are breaking down barriers, fighting racism and bringing people together.”
“Football is a common language,” Justin adds. “Even if you don’t speak English, you can still understand others on the field.”
Many program participants later become volunteers. So, Louise, who came to Street Soccer when she was homeless, now helps the initiative almost every day.
“I do a little bit of everything,” she says. “It helps my mental state a lot.” I feel useful.”
Louise remembers how Mary’s English rapidly began to improve after starting classes, and then she herself began to help new refugees adapt. Mary became an indispensable member of the team – both on and off the field.
In 2022, Louise and Mary traveled together to Dundee, Scotland, to take part in the Homeless World Cup, a world football championship for homeless people.
“For me, we are all one,” says Louise. “When you come to Street Soccer, no one judges you – everyone here supports each other.”
(Left to right): Justin McMinn, Louise McGonnell, Mary Edonga and Andy Hardy.
The Irish Football Association, which also helped Mary, invited her to speak at their conference. The association runs projects that combine football training with long-term integration support such as employment programmes, coaching qualifications and apprenticeships.
“This really helps refugees integrate into the local community and find work,” explains Andy Hardy, Community Engagement Officer at the Irish Football Association. “They learn, they develop, and it shows in their resume.”
In May 2021, UEFA and the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) signed a cooperation agreement to promote the social inclusion of refugees through football. Initiatives include financial support for Europe’s national football associations, refugee participation in UEFA Fan Fests and the Unity EURO Cup, an international tournament where mixed amateur teams of refugees and local players compete. Grundy and UEFA Vice-President Laura McAlister.
During the discussion, Mary spoke about how football and the people who supported her through various community programs changed her life. She later admitted that participating in this event was one of her greatest achievements.
“I was scared at first, but when I saw the video from the event, I felt proud and happy,” she says.
Team Northern Ireland took a respectable third place at the 2024 Unity EURO Cup tournament, and the winner was Team Latvia.
Mary met participants from all over Europe and other parts of the world. She came to the tournament with her friend Vinta, whom she met through football. Now they communicate every day.
“We support each other, inspire each other, share secrets. “Football gives me friends who become family,” explains Mary.
Reflecting on her journey from a lonely girl who didn’t know where to start to a confident student with a circle of close friends, Mary speaks of hope and unity: “It was very, very difficult. I was afraid. But thanks to football, I overcame everything.”