In collaboration with the Department of Justice - Philippines, through the Refugees and Stateless Persons Protection Unit (DOJ-RSPPU), Football for Humanity had the honour of delivering a powerful message of advocacy at the 2nd National Refugee Day 2025, championing football as a force for development, inclusion, and the fight against discrimination. To mark the occasion, a Solidarity Football Match was held at San Beda College, uniting refugees and local communities in an inspiring display of hope and humanity — both on and beyond the pitch. In partnership with Kits for the World, quality football kits were provided to refugee athletes, helping to build team spirit, belonging, and community cohesion. This initiative formed part of the national theme, “Strengthening Spaces of Resilience and Hope,” which highlights the power of sport to restore dignity, unity, and purpose among refugees and persons of concern in the face of crisis and conflict. Through this collaboration, Football for Humanity delivered two powerful messages: first, that football can be a platform for peace, inclusion, and solidarity; and second, that every individual — regardless of background or status — deserves the opportunity to play, belong, and be heard. This initiative also aimed to inspire policy change and raise awareness of the challenges refugees face, while showing how football can connect people and nations through the universal language of the game. Press release: https://tinyurl.com/ytw5k3fd #FootballforHumanity #FootballfortheGoals (fb)

Football is more than a game — it’s a lifeline! Before the AFC Dream Asia Foundation Conference 2025, we were invited to exclusive pre-talks on child protection with Mr. Vahid Kardany, Deputy General Secretary of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). Together, we explored how football can serve as a powerful platform to protect children from abuse, exploitation, and violence. This work is hard. It’s uncomfortable. It’s devastatingly real. Coaches, families, and field teams are often at risk. Yet we raise alarms, bang the drums, and make people pay attention. Football gives us the platform — the tool — to prevent exploitation, safeguard children, and bring hope where it’s needed most. At the conference, we connected with inspiring partners from around the world, exchanging experiences, learning from one another, and strengthening strategies to make football a genuine force for protection, justice, and hope. A huge thank you to Jasmin at the United Nations 'Football for the Goals' initiative for her dedication and tireless efforts in making this conference possible and supporting our mission to save lives and empower communities. Press release: www.the-afc.com/en/about_afc/social_responsibility/afc_dream_asia.html/news/milestone-afc-dream-asia-foundation-conference-2025-reinforces-determination-to-drive-development (fb)