From participant to coach: Abed's path at SPORTEGRATION

When Abed first arrived in Switzerland, many things were unfamiliar and challenging. Everyday life in a foreign country can be lonely for refugees - but for Abed, sport became a key to integration. Through football training, he got to know people from different cultures and was able to make new friends. "Sport makes it easier to socialise with others. In Switzerland, it's otherwise not so easy," he says.

From player to coach

Abed came to SPORTEGRATION's football training programme through a friend. The training quickly became more than just a leisure activity for him - it was a place to switch off, forget his worries and simply have fun. After a year as a participant, he was asked if he could imagine training as a coach himself. He immediately liked the idea. "That way I could volunteer and give something back," he says.

Today, Abed leads the training sessions in Bern himself - with enthusiasm. He particularly enjoys meeting lots of different people and offering them a good workout. "In sport, it doesn't matter where you come from or what else you do in life. It's all about training and having fun," he says.

A dream: training with the Young Boys

Abed still has many plans. He has not yet been able to take part in a SPORTEGRATION event, but one of his biggest dreams would be to train with BSC Young Boys.

One thing is clear to him: sport brings people together. "It's a great way to socialise, have something to do and stay healthy." His advice to other refugees: just join in.

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