A Europe-wide campaign led by non-profit organization It’s a Penalty used the platform of the UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 to raise awareness of human trafficking and empower the public to recognize and report signs of exploitation.

Running from June through the end of August to coincide with the tournament, which took place across Switzerland from July 2-27, the initiative united professional footballers, major travel and hospitality brands and NGOs to highlight the year-round prevalence of trafficking and encourage action.

Seven international players – Seraina Piubel (Switzerland), Melvine Malard (France), Jill Roord (Netherlands), Jess Fishlock (Wales), Mary Earps (England), Celin Bizet Ildhusøy (Norway) and Leila Ouahabi (Spain) – served as campaign ambassadors. Ouahabi called the effort a vital opportunity to shed light on an often-overlooked crime, saying during the campaign: “Human trafficking is a serious global problem and it’s happening in Europe too, all year round. Everyone deserves to live free and safe. It’s up to all of us to speak out, take action and help create a world where no one is exploited.”

Human trafficking, defined as the exploitation of a person through force, fraud or coercion for profit, is one of the fastest-growing criminal industries worldwide. The International Labour Organization estimates 50 million people are living in modern slavery, with prevalence rising in Europe. Sport serves as a global platform to raise awareness of these issues. UEFA Vice President and former Wales captain Laura McAllister stressed football’s influence, saying: “Sport touches every community in the world. Those of us who work in football must use that platform to help organizations like It’s a Penalty ensure we are active in outlawing human trafficking.”

The initiative included a 30-second awareness video shown on British Airways and KLM flights, digital signage in airports and transport hubs, multilingual posters across Switzerland and training for hospitality staff. Resources were also distributed through Border Force hubs and Uber drivers across Europe.

Post-campaign survey results in Switzerland indicated a significant impact: 72% of respondents reported increased awareness of trafficking and exploitation and 81% said their knowledge of how to report suspected cases had improved. One participant said, “If we aren’t affected by it ourselves, we tend to forget about it. This campaign reminded me to keep my eyes open.” Another noted, “I thought until now that human trafficking is not so strong in Europe but this campaign showed me it is still happening.”

FIZ, a Swiss NGO supporting migrant women and survivors of trafficking, played a key role in shaping prevention messaging. Through the partnership with Booking.com, match tickets were provided for FIZ staff, volunteers and clients, including survivors. A FIZ employee described one outing as “a reminder of the importance of protecting against exploitation and promoting fair play on and off the pitch,” while a survivor said, “I am so grateful I was able to share an unforgettable moment. The view of the mountains from the stadium was incredible – one of the most beautiful stadiums I’ve ever seen.”

It’s a Penalty has long used major sporting events to highlight human trafficking, exploitation and abuse, aiming to leave a lasting legacy in host communities. While such events do not cause trafficking, organizers say they can amplify awareness, mobilize public action and push for systemic change.

The UEFA Foundation for Children has announced a significant expansion of its humanitarian support for children living in some of the world’s most dangerous conflict zones. New partnerships, with Médecins du Monde, Médecins Sans Frontières and Handicap International, will prioritize aid for children in Gaza, a region the UN Secretary General has described as enduring “a humanitarian catastrophe of epic proportions.”

The crisis in numbers

UN data shows that by May 2025, over 66,000 children in Gaza were suffering from severe acute malnutrition, with 2,700 under-fives severely affected – an increase of more than threefold in just a few months. According to UNICEF, over 473 million children – more than one in six globally – now live in areas affected by conflict, with the world experiencing the highest number of conflicts since World War II. Children in conflict zones experience various devastating impacts, including violence that results in death, injury or recruitment by armed groups.

Education has been significantly disrupted for over 52 million children in these areas, with many missing extensive periods of schooling. They also face risks of malnutrition and limited access to healthcare and essential services like safe water and food. The daily struggle for survival and the psychological toll of conflict can lead to toxic stress and long-term health issues. Additionally, children are often separated from their families and displaced, making them more vulnerable to exploitation.

The new collaboration will deliver emergency medical aid, psychosocial support, food, clean water and education on the dangers of explosive remnants, aiming to restore a measure of safety and dignity to young lives disrupted by war.

For Médecins du Monde, which has operated in the region since 1995, this means continuing their work to improve healthcare access, strengthen emergency response capacity and provide mobile psychosocial support clinics. Médecins Sans Frontières will focus on treating the wounded, supporting overwhelmed hospitals and providing maternal and pediatric care. With over 600 staff and community workers in the region, Handicap International will deliver first aid kits, rehabilitation care and disability support, while also educating children and communities about explosive hazards.

Sport as a humanitarian force

“Whatever the adults waging wars think they are doing, the children are innocent. But, in all conflicts, they are dying every single day and we must do what we can to help those who are trying to make life more tolerable and normal for them,” said UEFA President and UEFA Foundation Chairman Aleksander Čeferin. “Through the UEFA Foundation for Children, we strive to support those who are working to ease the burdens the children carry – helping them find moments of peace and hope, even in the hardest of circumstances.”

The move is the latest step in the UEFA Foundation’s decade-long commitment to protecting and empowering children affected by war, poverty and inequality. Since launching in 2015 as an independent charitable organization, the Foundation has invested €54 million in 577 sports-based projects, impacting the lives of 4.9 million children in 138 countries.

From providing football equipment in refugee camps to funding educational programs for displaced youth, the Foundation has worked in conflict zones including Ukraine, Sudan, Lebanon, Yemen, Syria and Afghanistan. Its support blends financial aid with the unique reach of football, often bringing children from beneficiary projects into the spotlight at UEFA competition finals, walking out alongside players or participating in medal ceremonies.

Elite competitions often dominate headlines. However, the Foundation focuses on football as a catalyst for social change. It promotes gender equality in sport. It also provides access to football for children with disabilities and it teaches environmental responsibility through grassroots programs.

“It’s our duty – as adults, as parents, as neighbors, as human beings – to stand beside children when they need us. Sometimes, even the smallest gesture can remind them they are not alone, that they are not forgotten and that they are valued. We can’t change the world on our own – but children can and will, if we provide them with safety, love and hope they need to grow,” Čeferin reflected.

The UK Government has placed sport and physical activity at the heart of its newly launched Fit for the Future: 10-Year Health Plan, signaling a shift towards prevention in national health policy. Announced in early July, the strategy prioritizes movement as a critical driver of health and wellbeing, positioning parks, pitches and sidewalks alongside clinics and hospitals in the delivery of better health outcomes.

The plan commits over £1 billion for physical activity infrastructure, including:

•  £400 million for grassroots sports facilities
• £250 million for place-based pilots in 100 communities
• £616 million for active travel such as cycle lanes, walkways and safer school routes.

Sector bodies like Sport England have hailed the investment in community infrastructure as a potential cultural turning point for embedding activity in daily life. Estimates suggest that if executed effectively, the plan could generate £10.5 billion in annual savings via reduced NHS demand and improved productivity.

Ireland, like the UK, faces rising pressures on health systems, disparities in participation and fragmented funding mechanisms. Current Irish data reveals positive movement but also gaps:

• Among children and adolescents, 97% of primary school girls participate in weekly sports, dropping to 80% at post-primary level as compared with 90% for post-primary boys.
• Sustained participation in physical activity remains a challenge; even among adults the gender gap in sport narrowed from 16% in 2007 to 3% in three years.

Pilot programs such as Dublin’s Exwell medical center, which links health professionals to community sport for rehabilitation and prevention, offer working examples of social prescribing in practice. Advocates suggest a nationwide framework could amplify these benefits and tie sport more directly into national health service planning.

For Ireland’s sports sector, the UK’s policy shift prompts a strengthening of the case for sport as a public good, forging cross-sector partnerships and aligning activities with measurable health outcomes. Programs like the GAA’s Healthy Club, the FAI’s Football for All and Swim Ireland’s Learn to Swim already contribute to community health, but scaling such initiatives and connecting them to national health goals could deepen impact.

As Ireland approaches the end of its current National Sports Policy in 2027, the UK model offers a timely reference point for policy and funding discussions. Both contexts point to the same conclusion: sport and physical activity are not optional extras, but essential components of a healthier, more resilient society.

Source: Sport for Business

National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) club Gotham FC has teamed up with Dove and global girl empowerment brand Rebel Girls to publish what is believed to be the first children’s book created by an NWSL club. Changing the Game: A Playbook for Champions in Training was written to inspire girls to remain active, blending player profiles, training guidance and exercises in body confidence and mental resilience. It is part of the club’s Keep Her in the Game (KHITG) initiative presented by Dove.

The book spotlights Gotham FC stars, including World Cup winners, Olympic gold medalists and European champions. Through interviews and personal anecdotes, the players share their journeys from youth sport to the professional game, alongside training tips, body confidence guidance and mental resilience tools aimed at young readers. The book also profiles three girls and one coach from Gotham’s program, adding grassroots perspectives to the mix.

The club’s KHITG program recently celebrated a year of impact, reaching over 1,780 girls and surpassing original targets by 78%. The program tackles the high rates at which girls drop out of sports. By age 14, girls drop out of sports at twice the rate of boys and have 1.3 million fewer opportunities to play high-school sports than boys. The initiative provides coaches and parents with research-based training to helps girls develop leadership skills, express themselves and stay dedicated to sport.

“Being a part of Gotham FC’s KHITG program has been an incredible experience,” said Michelle Betos, Gotham FC assistant goalkeeper coach and former club captain. “KHITG is more than an initiative – it’s a movement transforming how we support girls in sports. From empowering coaches with applicable tools to creating safer, more inclusive spaces, KHITG is helping ensure every girl not only stays in the game but thrives in it.”

Created by Rebel Girls and distributed free of charge, the book will be available in both print and digital formats, with a goal of reaching over one million children. Hard copies will be provided to program participants, schools, libraries and nonprofit partners.

Gotham FC General Manager Yael Averbuch West told USA Today Sports: “We do hope to continue to be able to influence and provide opportunities for girls to play the game, to watch the game, maybe to one day work at our club, to own a club… These young women, we’re interacting with them as soccer players, but we are also interacting with them as fans, as future leaders of households and business — decision makers. The hope is to inspire these girls to have a longstanding love and involvement in the game that goes far beyond the field.”

Since Keep Her in the Game launched, more than 700 of the program’s 1,700 members have attended Gotham FC games, with 750 expected at Saturday’s match. For the club, the hope is that these initiatives inspire lasting engagement, whether as players, fans, future coaches or leaders in the game.

In support of maternal health, Sport England has announced a new partnership with The Active Pregnancy Foundation (APF), backed by over £250,000 of National Lottery funding. The collaboration seeks to break down the barriers that often prevent pregnant women and postpartum mothers, especially those with disabilities, mental health challenges or chronic health risks, from staying physically active.

Data shows that physical activity during and after pregnancy isn’t just beneficial, it’s essential. Research indicates that structured moderate exercise can reduce the risk of gestational diabetes by up to 30% and curb excessive weight gain in expectant mothers. Regular exercise can reduce the risk of pre-eclampsia by approximately 35%. Even a single session of exercise helps alleviate postnatal depression and decreases the chances of emergency Caesarean deliveries.

“We’re proud to partner with The Active Pregnancy Foundation,” said Joanne Cound, Sport England’s Head of Investment. “This partnership will make an enormous impact — not just to individual women’s lives, but to the wider system supporting maternal health and physical activity.”

Founded in 2020, APF has worked to close gaps in knowledge, raise industry standards and bring together sectors to ensure pregnant and postpartum women are better supported to be active. Its focus on targeted support aligns with Sport England’s Uniting the Movement strategy to ensure everyone, regardless of background, ability or circumstance, can engage in sport and activity.

The partnership builds on previous collaborations, including:

• This Mum Moves, a suite of workout content for pregnant women and new mums.
• Active Mums Start with You, which trains healthcare professionals to have safe and open conversations about exercise.
• Couch to Fitness adaptations, designed to help women be active at home before and after giving birth.

Dr. Marlize De Vivo, Co-Chief Executive of APF, called the initiative a “game-changer”: “It gives us the resources and recognition to reach more women than ever, and unapologetically focus on driving system-wide change where it’s needed most.”

By targeting women who face high barriers to activity, Sport England’s wants to both improve maternal and infant health and shift the national conversation on women’s health — making it an issue that is visible, valued and prioritized across the sport and physical activity sector.

Whether you’re looking to build a career in sport for social change or partner with us on impact-driven projects, explore our open roles:

• Digital Content Manager – New York-based – Apply by September 10
• Marketing Manager – London-based – Apply by September 10
• Program Assistant – New York-based. Open to CUNY students who qualify for Federal Work-Study only. Learn more about Federal Work-Study at the CUNY campuses. – Click here

 

In celebration of Indigenous Peoples Day (Aug 9), we’re spotlighting Rexona Breaking Limits Program Partner, Special Olympics (SO) Brazil. Their Unified Schools Program Coordinator, Rafael Fiuza Cislaghi spoke to use about the organization’s inclusion journey and how they are supporting Indigenous communities with intellectual disabilities (ID) in the northeast of Brazil.

For more than 50 years, Special Olympics has provided year-round sports training and competitions for individuals with intellectual disabilities around the world. The organization primarily focuses on promoting the acceptance of people with disabilities, encouraging a shift in perception that values their strengths rather than any limitations. Through their Unified Schools program, they bring students with and without ID together on the same sports teams and in other activities to foster social inclusion.

In Brazil, their movement spans 12 states and the Federal District, offering Olympic-style opportunities in 13 sports. One of the communities they work with is the Xukuru do Ororubá in Pesqueira, Pernambuco — an Indigenous group of over 8,000 people living in 24 villages in the Serra do Ororubá mountains. Known for their deep spiritual connection to the land, they practice sustainable agriculture and uphold rich cultural traditions rooted in collective responsibility. After decades of struggle, they secured official recognition of their ancestral territory in 2001. Today, the Xukuru continue to lead with strong community governance and a vision of justice grounded in heritage and resistance. For the past two years, SO Brazil has partnered with them to adapt their Unified Schools program to align with local customs, launching a series of activities that are already shifting perceptions and outcomes.

But First, Respect

SO Brazil emphasized that it’s very important to them to take care in their approach with Indigenous communities. “Inclusion can’t happen without respect,” reflects Cislaghi. He shared that they prioritize open dialogues with local leaders before implementing any action, whether that’s teacher training, inclusive sports activities or inclusive youth leadership initiatives. This listening process is essential to understanding cultural specificities and identifying the necessary adaptations to ensure true inclusion and respect.

The main adjustment to the program the incorporation of sports practices aligned with the Xukuru do Ororubá culture. “This approach allowed the inclusion proposal to be built collaboratively, in a way that was sensitive to the community’s sociocultural context and more effective in its implementation,” says Cislaghi.

Unified by Sport, Guided by Culture

In 2023 and 2024, the Unified Schools project in the Xukuru do Ororubá community introduced teacher training centered on inclusion and inclusive sports. Traditionally, Indigenous schools in the region didn’t employ physical education teachers, based on the understanding that bodily movement is a natural part of daily life. But after thoughtful conversations around the benefits of structured, inclusive physical activity, especially for young people with ID, local schools began hiring trained educators.

Another milestone came with the hosting of the first Indigenous Unified Games in Pernambuco. The event blended Indigenous traditions and modern inclusive sport, featuring activities like archery, spear throwing, blowgun, maracá races and tug of war alongside track and field events. Notably, it also sparked a rare collaboration between Indigenous and municipal school systems, building new pathways for mutual learning and cultural exchange.

“The impact of our work with the Xukuru do Ororubá community was significant, not just at a local level by giving more voice and visibility to people with ID, but also on an international scale,” Cislaghi shares. “This was the first time the Unified Schools model had been implemented in an Indigenous context within the global Special Olympics movement.”

Looking Ahead: A National Expansion Rooted in Respect

Building on this progress, SO Brazil is now working closely with the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples to expand its efforts. A new technical cooperation agreement will allow the organization to map and reach more of Brazil’s 300 Indigenous communities, respecting cultural nuances while supporting people with ID through inclusive education and sport.

With over 150 events planned in 2025 — including six inclusive fitness events across five states — the Breaking Limits Program will serve as an engagement tool. By collaborating with physical education universities, SO Brazil also hopes to inspire research and nurture academic interest in the underexplored intersection of Indigenous culture and inclusive sport.

A Message for Indigenous Peoples Day

As Brazil celebrates its Indigenous communities and their resilience, SO Brazil honors their ongoing fight for recognition, land and dignity, standing alongside them in their pursuit of inclusive opportunity.

“Inclusion goes beyond addressing the needs of Indigenous people with ID. For over 500 years, this community has faced continuous exclusion and marginalization. So, when we speak of inclusion in this context, we must understand what it means to live on the margins of society. The Breaking Limits Program is an important ally in this journey. As the name suggests, it’s purpose is to break down exclusion barriers, turning inclusion into real, everyday and effective practice,” says Cislaghi.

Through respectful partnerships and culturally attuned programming, SO Brazil is proving that inclusion, when rooted in community and guided by empathy, has no limits.

---

The Rexona Breaking Limits Program created in partnership with Beyond Sport is inspiring youth confidence through movement. The Breaking Limits Training Series features a range of practical modules available in English, Spanish, and Portuguese. Sign up now to access the full series and start your journey.

We’re proud to share Beyond Sport’s 2024 Impact Report, highlighting and celebrating a transformative year of bold ideas, powerful partnerships and community-led progress around the world. 

From advancing youth mental wellbeing in the U.S. to supporting refugees in host communities across Europe to funding climate and gender justice innovators through the Olympism365 Innovation Hub, 2024 proved again that sport is a catalyst for equity, resilience and opportunity. 

We:

• Supported 170 projects across 32 countries
• Granted $2.8 million to sport for social change organizations
• Amplified 110+ partner organizations
• Helped local leaders innovate, scale and sustain their impact – with 93% of our grantees sharing that Beyond Sport helped build their knowledge, skills and capacity!  

While this report reflects some of our key accomplishments, it’s also a strong reminder to keep pushing forward. Sport continues to be one of the most powerful tools to connect people, shift systems and build a more just world. 

Thank you for being part of this journey. Whether you’re a partner, donor, beneficiary or social change advocate, your belief in our mission makes this work possible. 

READ THE 2024 REPORT

In celebration of International Youth Day (Aug 12), we’re spotlighting our Program Assistants, Nia Clement and Aahiri Hoskote. Their passion, leadership and lived experiences fuel their commitment to social impact through sport, while inspiring us!

At Beyond Sport, we believe young people aren’t just the leaders of tomorrow — they’re already leading today. From using sport to challenge inequality and spark inclusion to creating space for community and culture, Nia and Aahiri fully embody what we stand for. Read on to hear about their social impact journeys and how they’re creating change in their communities.

NIA CLEMENT – New York

What does youth leadership mean to you?

To me, youth leadership is about creating positive change in ways that feel meaningful and authentic to you. Leadership isn’t always about being in the spotlight. It can be as simple as helping the person next to you, offering a shoulder to lean on or bringing positive energy into every space you enter. It’s about showing up, using your voice and recognizing that even small actions can have a lasting impact.

What moment or event made you realize you wanted to make a difference?

Giving back to the community was a core part of my upbringing and my parents made service a priority. We walked in breast cancer awareness events, volunteered at local functions and stayed engaged in community efforts. One experience that truly stayed with me was visiting the Queen Elizabeth Home for Children in Grenada.

We brought school supplies, books and toys and spent the day reading and playing with the children. Seeing their pure joy and smiles left a lasting impression on me. In that moment, I realized that making a direct, positive impact in the lives of others wasn’t just something I wanted to do, but something that needed to be part of my future.

As I progressed through high school, I continued to stay involved by joining the Key Club and volunteering at various local events. I also spoke on a panel discussing the Black Lives Matter movement and the relationship between police and community members. Additionally, I served as a Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA) youth representative, bringing the students’ perspective to important conversations and decision-making. These experiences deepened my understanding of social impact and solidified my commitment to creating change wherever I can.

Can you tell us about a project you’ve been a part of that’s had a big impact on you?

One meaningful experience has been my participation in the Macaulay Diversity Initiative, which focuses on increasing outreach to students of Black and Latinx backgrounds while celebrating the diverse cultures within Macaulay Honors College in the City University of New York (CUNY) system. I joined the group as a freshman and quickly became involved, serving as Vice President of Outreach. By my sophomore year, I stepped into the role of President, leading efforts to bring together students from eight CUNY campuses and foster a stronger sense of community.

Working closely with key stakeholders at the college, we organized events like the Diversity Reception, which welcomed first-year students and introduced them to the initiative and the Supporting Excellence Conference, which focused on topics such as personal, professional and academic wellbeing. These events were designed to support student growth and foster a safe, inclusive and empowering space. This initiative has had a significant impact on me because it brought together meaningful conversations, personal development and student support. Personally and professionally, it has been incredibly rewarding to collaborate with dedicated students and staff who share a commitment to student success, equity and community.

How do you think young people are changing the world right now?

Young people are changing the world by boldly using their voices across a variety of platforms. Whether through social media, student-led initiatives or local organizations, we’ve connected, mobilized and advocated for meaningful change. This generation is not afraid to speak up, challenge systems and fight for a more equitable future for us and future generations.

What’s one change you’d love to see in the world and how do you think we’ll get there?

One change I’d love to see in the world is more kindness and empathy toward one another. In a time when the world often feels divided, it’s essential to lead with openness and give each other grace. When we take the time to listen and understand different perspectives truly, we create space for deeper conversations, stronger connections and meaningful progress. We’ll get there by choosing empathy daily, in small and big ways. It starts with how we show up for each other, how we communicate and how we hold space for differences. A more empathetic world is a more united one.

Can you share a short letter to your future self and future young changemakers?

What are three words your friends would use to describe you and why?

Three words my friends would use to describe me are: passionate, thoughtful and reliable.

• Passionate – I’m deeply driven by curiosity and a genuine desire to grow, learn and make a meaningful difference. Whether it’s exploring new ideas or tackling challenges, I bring energy and purpose to everything I do.
• Thoughtful – I take time to listen, reflect and show up for others. Whether it’s offering support, a kind word, or simply being present, I care about making people feel seen and valued.
• Reliable – To me, reliability is about being consistent, dependable and someone others can count on. I take pride in being there when it matters and following through on my personal and professional commitments.

What’s next in your social impact journey?

I’ll graduate in Spring 2026 with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a minor in Digital Media and Journalism. As I move forward, I am committed to continuing my work in social impact, particularly within the sports and entertainment industry. These spaces can reach broad and diverse audiences, influence culture and tell powerful stories that spark conversation, drive progress and inspire the future. I’m excited to be part of that change and use these platforms to create meaningful impact.

Get to know Nia!

---

AAHIRI HOSKOTE – London

What does youth leadership mean to you? 

To me, youth leadership is about active learning and unlearning and finding the drive to make a difference, even if it seems minuscule to others. It’s also important to be critical of how things have happened in the past and open to new ways of creating change, even if they are unconventional.

Was there a particular moment or event that made you realize you wanted to make a difference? 

There wasn’t one defining moment, but more a collection of lived experiences that, over time, reshaped my understanding of the world. Being born in India and returning regularly showed me the contrast between opportunity and inequality, which was hard to unsee. I realized these gaps weren’t random or unlucky as I got older. They’re built into systems, reinforced over time and often accepted as just the way things are. That realization pushed me to ask bigger questions about fairness, privilege and what it means to make change.

I was always drawn to subjects focused on people, society and development in school. That led me to study Global Development at university, where I gained a deeper understanding of these systems of inequality and the historical forces and structures that shape them. I also developed a critical lens for thinking about change. Like most families, watching sports was always a huge part of our household. I grew up loving it, but I didn’t realize the impact of not seeing myself represented in elite sports until I was in my mid-teens, when I realized that I could make a difference in this space and change narratives.

Can you tell us about a project or cause you’ve been a part of that’s had a big impact on you? 

Co-founding the University of York Kabaddi Club has been one of my proudest achievements, as it perfectly showcased the impact that representation and opportunity can have on a community. It wasn’t just about starting a club, but also about creating a space that hadn’t existed in our university sports space before and celebrating culture through sport.

I had the privilege of working alongside passionate, talented athletes who weren’t just interested in playing a game but invested in amplifying Kabaddi’s presence and visibility and actively pushing for a more diverse and inclusive sports culture on campus. Together, we challenged norms and opened doors for future students who might not have seen themselves reflected in traditional sports spaces. Two years on, the club continues to thrive. It’s grown beyond its South Asian roots, welcoming players from all backgrounds and nurturing national talent. Watching it evolve has only deepened my belief in the transformative power of sport as a tool for community, visibility and long-term impact.

How do you think young people are changing the world right now? 

Young people are reshaping the conversation, not just by talking, but by doing. They’re asking the hard questions, staying informed and bringing fresh energy into movements that desperately need it. There’s this deep hunger to not just understand the issues, but to do something about them.

Secondly, young people are becoming more vocal about these issues and engaging other young people to care about their futures and change comes with collective action and responsibility.

Finally, I believe that young people are utilizing the power of social media to broaden the reach and amplify these issues. There’s still a long way to go, but this generation is showing that we won’t sit back and wait our turn. We’re already pulling chairs to the table and sometimes even building our own.

What’s one change you’d love to see in the world and how do you think we’ll get there? 

One change I’d love to see in the world is for people to live with a spirit of wanting to learn about each other. If we lived with curiosity and openness, we’d build more understanding, respect and harmony. Making learning a lifelong, shared journey helps break down walls between cultures, communities and perspectives. It reminds us that no one has all the answers and that everyone’s story matters. Living to learn means choosing connection over division, empathy over judgement and cooperation over conflict.

Getting there won’t happen overnight, but it starts with listening more, being open to new ideas and valuing the voices different from our own. When we commit to learning together, we create space for unity and hope and take real steps toward a more peaceful and connected world.

Can you share a short letter to your future self and future young changemakers?

What are three words your friends would use to describe you and why? 

• Sincere – I lead with my heart, in friendships and professional spaces. My friends often say they can count on me to show up with intention, to truly listen and to speak with honesty and care.
• Driven – People close to me often notice how focused I can be when I care about something. I’ve been told that once I set my mind on a goal, I commit to it, whether it’s a personal passion or a community project. I’ve also learned over time that I can only be ambitious about things I genuinely believe in, which has kept my motivation to do better grounded in purpose.
• Bubbly – I’ve also been told that I naturally bring warmth and energy into a room. Whether through conversation, humor, or enthusiasm, I try to create a sense of connection and make people feel comfortable.

What’s next in your social impact journey? 

I would love to stay in this intersection of sports and social change, as I have seen how transformative and powerful it can be. There is still so much potential to develop this space and challenge outdated narratives to keep growing and learning with one another. I want to be part of that evolution across multiple levels, from grassroots to international, helping to shape a sports culture that’s not only more diverse but also more reflective of all communities.

At the same time, I’m eager to get closer to the ground, gaining real-world experiences to inform and develop theories and strategies. I want to learn directly from the people working daily – the athletes, organizers and communities. Being part of that lived reality, listening and contributing with authenticity, is something I know will deepen my understanding and make me a better advocate for change.

Get to know Aahiri!

Summer is in full swing for Beyond Sport and whether you’re poolside, on the pitch or simply enjoying slow mornings and long days, we’re back with a fresh round of recommendations to satisfy your sports and social impact appetite. From inspiring athletes to thought-provoking podcasts and binge-worthy documentaries, these picks are perfect to pack for your next getaway — or to simply relax with wherever you are.

Federer: Twelve Final Days – Documentary

An intimate exploration of the final chapter of Roger Federer’s iconic tennis career. Starting with his emotional September 2022 retirement announcement, viewers are granted behind‑the‑scenes access to Federer preparing for his final match at the Laver Cup in London alongside rivals-turned-friends like Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray. The film reveals the quiet vulnerability and enduring friendships behind a global legend.

This isn’t just a sports documentary, it’s a deeply human story about legacy, humility and sport’s ability to unite across competition, culture and time.  At a time when athletes are increasingly using their platforms for more than medals, Federer’s graceful farewell reminds us that sport can be a powerful source of empathy, connection and shared humanity. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just love a good story — Twelve Final Days will move you.

After the Lights – Podcast

What happens after the final whistle blows? When the cameras stop rolling and the crowd fades away? This new podcast dives into the untold stories of UK athletes navigating life beyond the game from Olympic champions to grassroots heroes.

Hosted by a mix of journalists and former athletes, each episode explores identity, mental health, purpose and the emotional toll of walking away from a life built on sport. The series sheds light on the pressures athletes face, not just in competition, but in what comes next. It’s a must-listen for anyone interested in athlete wellbeing, the power of storytelling and how sport can lead important conversations about mental health, equity and reinvention.

Running While Black – Book

In this compelling memoir and cultural critique, New York-based runner, activist and mental health advocate, Alison Mariella Désir exposes the deep racial inequities embedded in the long distance running world. From being one of the few Black faces at races to confronting the danger of simply jogging while Black, she reveals how a sport marketed as “for everyone” often excludes and endangers people of color. Inspired by the killing of Ahmaud Arbery in the U.S., Désir dives into the history, industry and personal experiences that shaped her activism and identity as an endurance runner.

This book calls to reimagine sport as a space for justice, joy and belonging. It’s not just about running, it’s about who gets to move freely, who gets to feel safe and how we can make fitness communities truly inclusive. A must-read for athletes, advocates and anyone interested in the sport.

Winners – Film

Set in Berlin, Winners follows eleven-year-old Mona, a Syrian Kurdish refugee who fled Syria for Germany with her family. She struggles with the new language and culture but finds solace and identity on the football pitch, a skill she brought with her to Germany. Recognized for her talent, Mona is invited to join a girls’ football team, a turning point that transforms how she and her teammates experience community, trust and resilience.

Through football, these young girls find solidarity, self-expression and belonging in a city that often feels foreign. Winners is a heartfelt exploration of how sport can break down barriers, foster community and empower young women facing displacement, isolation and prejudice.

---

We hope these stories of resilience, resistance, redemption and representation help you recharge and reflect on the power of sport to move us, shape us and drive change.

Have a recommendation of your own? Tag us @BeyondSport to let us know what you’re watching, reading or listening to.