Football aims to be an inclusive experience for all children, regardless of language, family background, or abilities. It offers a sense of belonging, personal growth, teamwork skills, and the joy of shared success. Being part of a team teaches cooperation and resilience, while coaches help kids discover their strengths. Sport can reduce stress, improve coordination, stamina, and cognitive skills, and decrease dropout rates.
However, statistics show that more children worldwide struggle with attention, sensory, or speech processing challenges, often stemming from trauma or stress. These difficulties can hinder participation in team sports. Coaches play a crucial role in making football inclusive for these kids, yet many lack the necessary skills. As a result, children with developmental challenges, including refugees, are often left out.
This project aims to adapt the NestingPlay methodology, already successful in schools, to football. It targets children aged 6-13—those in the "golden age" for learning—who have undiagnosed learning, behavioral, or social challenges. Since spring 2024, we’ve partnered with the Hungarian Football Federation and Methodological Institute, involving six football clubs that work with both grassroots and talented players. This collaboration strives to create a football environment where every child can belong and thrive.
