At I Speak Football we combine football, language learning, and a trauma-informed approach to support young displaced people build brighter futures.
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Building more inclusive communities through football.
By offering a comprehensive program that combines football, language learning, and psychosocial support, I Speak Football empowers displaced young people to overcome barriers, integrate into their new communities, and pursue brighter futures.
Our Mission
Empowering displaced youth through the power of football and refugee-sensitive education.
Empowering youth through football works by combining fun with teamwork. It helps young people build relationships naturally, fostering social cohesion and the strong community spirit that football inspires.
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Who we serve:
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Young migrants
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Refugees and asylum seekers
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Unaccompanied minors
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Women and girls only groups
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Ages 16-30
OUR TEAM
Djibril Ayofe, Co-Director and Founder
My name is Djibril and I come from Ivory Coast. I came up with the idea for I Speak Football based on my own experience of football helping with learning English. On the pitch I felt free of the pressure and restriction of learning in the classroom. I am the founder and co-director of I Speak Football.
Ben Monro, Co-Director and Founder
My name is Ben I’m from the UK but was raised all around the world. I have extensive experience as a sports coach and a dedicated advocate for refugee empowerment. I have been working with Djibril since the first pilot, and I am also a co-director of I Speak Football.
Mark Lewis, Co-Director
My name is Mark. After 12 years with the UN working with refugees, I now work in fundraising and improving impact and inclusivity in sports for development programmes. I am a co-director with Ben and Djibril.
