Darfur United is more than soccer. It is a movement for hope. In 2012, after years of visiting refugee survivors of a crisis that has been called “hell on earth” and genocide, iACT, a Los Angeles-based organization, co-created with refugees on the Chad-Sudan border the Darfur United Men’s Team and took it to compete in a World Football Cup. The formation of the team and its participation in a global tournament gave Darfuri refugees a world stage on which to represent their people—and all refugees—and bring attention to some of the most vulnerable and forgotten populations. In 2018, iACT listened to Darfuri refugee women and their aspirations to play, compete, and pave the way for a generation of girls in their community; and supported them in forming the first-ever Darfur United Women’s Team.

iACT

iACT is an international organization providing humanitarian action to aid, empower, and extend hope to those affected by mass atrocities, creating a world where people are connected and equipped to act. Learn more at iact.ngo and follow iACT on Facebook & Twitter.

Refugees United Soccer Academy

Darfur United team’s support the Refugees United Soccer Academy (Academy). The Academy is a soccer program in refugee camps for children ages 6 to 13. At the Academy, children learn about teamwork, leadership, and peacebuilding, all while improving soccer skills. It offers refugee children, whose families have experienced extreme violence, a safe space to play, heal, and be empowered. The Academy also serves as a way to connect refugee children and youth with soccer players and clubs across the U.S. and globally.