UEFA has officially announced that the Netherlands will be the proud host of the Unity Euro Cup in October 2025. This unique European championship, a powerful initiative where refugee and local players unite in teams, underscores the beautiful game’s capacity to connect diverse communities.
Sixteen nations are set to compete for the coveted title in this edition, leveraging the unifying power of sport to foster inclusion and integration. The Netherlands secured the hosting honor for this prestigious tournament, triumphing over strong bids from other European candidate countries.
Football: A Universal Language of Unity
“After two successful national editions at our Campus in Zeist, this is a fantastic next step.” – Gijs de Jong, KNVB Secretary-General
KNVB Secretary-General Gijs de Jong conveyed his enthusiasm about hosting the Unity Euro Cup Netherlands: “The KNVB is deeply honored to host the fourth edition of the Unity Euro Cup. Following two successful national events at our Zeist Campus, this marks a significant and exciting progression. This tournament perfectly embodies our commitment to forging connections through football and making a tangible social impact. We eagerly anticipate welcoming teams from across UEFA member associations and uniting through the universal language of football.”
The Unity Euro Cup, launched in 2022 by UEFA and UNHCR, is both a compelling sporting event and a vital social initiative. In a world where millions are displaced due to conflict and persecution, football serves as an invaluable bridge, facilitating a sense of belonging for newcomers. This tournament highlights the positive role football can play in society, offering a platform for integration and camaraderie.
Michele Uva, UEFA Director of Social & Environmental Sustainability, expressed gratitude towards the Dutch football association: “On behalf of UEFA, I extend my sincere thanks to the KNVB for their outstanding bid. It is truly inspiring to witness a European member association so deeply committed to refugee football. UEFA and the KNVB share a common vision of inclusive football, and we eagerly look forward to collaborating with them to bring the Unity Cup 2025 to Zeist.”
Embracing the ‘Oranje’ Spirit
“The moment players put on the Orange jersey, they feel part of something bigger.” – Gijs de Jong, KNVB Secretary-General
The Netherlands’ involvement with the Unity Cup extends back several years. UNHCR Netherlands, Stichting Life Goals, and the KNVB have collaborated on national editions, selecting representative teams for international competition. Gijs de Jong emphasized the profound impact of the tournament: “Everyone desires to belong, to feel integrated into society, and to contribute meaningfully. However, this is not always a straightforward path. The moment players don the iconic Orange jersey, they experience a sense of belonging to something larger than themselves. It is truly rewarding to offer refugees this quintessential ‘Oranje feeling’ and witness them build strong team bonds with their fellow citizens.”
A particularly noteworthy aspect of the Unity Euro Cup 2025 is the officiating of all matches by referees from the Refugee Referee project. This innovative project empowers refugees by providing them with opportunities to become certified football referees. Last year, this impactful initiative by Zeeburgia was recognized with the prestigious Michael van Praag Award for the most inclusive initiative in Dutch football.
By hosting the Unity Euro Cup 2025, the Netherlands not only welcomes an exciting international sporting event but also broadcasts a powerful message of solidarity and inclusion. Football transcends the boundaries of a mere game; it serves as a potent force for bringing people together, irrespective of their backgrounds, and fostering a sense of unity and shared identity. The Netherlands Euro Cup event promises to be a memorable celebration of this unifying power.
