As part of its social responsibility programme, the Cyprus Football Association (CFA) organised a wonderful football festival for children on Tuesday, 16 June, at the Sotirio Athletic Centre in Kofinou, in cooperation with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). The event was held in celebration of World Refugee Day, which is observed annually on 20 June.

The festival brought together children residing at the Kofinou Reception and Accommodation Centre, as well as unaccompanied minors benefiting from IOM Cyprus’ Semi-Independent Living Programme for Unaccompanied Children. The participants had the opportunity to enjoy a day full of fun, joy and entertainment.

Throughout the event, the children took part in football activities, team games and various recreational exercises in a safe and welcoming environment. Through sport and play, they shared memorable moments, worked together and enjoyed a day filled with energy, excitement and smiles.

This event marked the final activity of this season’s programme, which was implemented throughout the year with the aim of connecting children through sport. During the programme, football training sessions were delivered by coaches from the Cyprus Football Association’s Coach Education School, giving children the opportunity to participate in organised sporting activities, develop teamwork skills and become more familiar with the game of football.

The festival concluded with a medal ceremony for all participating children. The medals were presented by Andreas Morias, Deputy General Director of the Cyprus Football Association and coordinator of the CFA’s social responsibility programme, Vassiliy Yuzhanin, Chief of Mission of IOM Cyprus, and Giorgos Elissaios, Protection Associate at UNHCR Cyprus.

For the Cyprus Football Association, creating equal opportunities for participation for all children remains a key priority. Through initiatives such as this, the CFA seeks to harness the power of football as a tool for inclusion, cooperation and social contribution, fostering an environment where every child has the opportunity to participate, express themselves and enjoy the game.

As part of the IOM programme, meals were provided to all participating children.

The Cyprus Football Association would also like to express its sincere appreciation to our sponsors, KEO and Coca-Cola, for their generous contribution of soft drinks and juices.