INTRODUCTION
More2Win was at the foundation of Refugee Team, developing the initiative from a clear belief: social challenges require smart, executable solutions in which different interests come together. In this case, that solution emerged at the intersection of integration and sport participation. While many newcomers struggled to find their place in Dutch society, the sports sector was simultaneously facing a structural need for additional hands.
This combination formed the basis for an approach that is relevant to multiple stakeholders at once. For participants, Refugee Team offers a first step into society. For sport events, it provides committed volunteers. And for municipalities and partners, it creates a practical tool to make inclusion, activation and progression tangible.
OUR APPROACH
Our ambition from the start was clear: everyone should be able to take part. With that mindset, More2Win helped Refugee Team grow into an initiative that enables stateless persons and newcomers to gain work experience as volunteers at sport events. In doing so, participants not only build their CV, but also their language skills, network and self-confidence. The social value is therefore not symbolic, but a concrete step forward in someone’s position in society.
"It is good to stay active and be part of a team with friendly colleagues." – Roaa, Refugee Team participant
From day one, More2Win brought an entrepreneurial mindset and strategic approach to building. We did not only help launch the initiative, but also develop it into a professional and scalable model. Always guided by the same sharp question: which problem are we solving, and for whom are we creating value?
The approach is both smart and practical. Sport events provide the volunteering opportunities, municipalities help identify and match participants, and suppliers or employers are involved to create follow-up opportunities towards work or further experience. In addition, language schools and integration partners provide extra support and pathways for development. Today, Refugee Team works with multiple events and partners, and has grown from an early experiment into a proven approach with scaling potential.
THE IMPACt
The impact is visible. Since its start, Refugee Team has helped hundreds of stateless persons and newcomers take a more active role in society. They learn the language in practice, build social relationships, develop work routines and skills, and at the same time contribute to sport events and the communities around them.
"Even by talking to customers, I keep learning new words." – Marwan, Refugee Team participant
This creates value for all involved: for participants, for cities, for events and for partners working on inclusion in practice. The development participants go through is not only visible in their work experience, but also in their self-reliance and engagement with their new environment.
"He mostly knew his own neighbourhood and the Refugee Team location. Now he knows where to buy fish, where the river runs, and how the different districts are laid out." – Refugee Team coach
LET’S GET IN TOUCH!
Refugee Team shows that social impact does not need to be complex to be powerful. When sport is used intelligently, it can simultaneously build integration, volunteer capacity and local connection. That is the strength of this initiative, and it reflects the role of More2Win: translating social ambition into an approach that is coherent, effective and built to evolve.
Curious how More2Win uses sports to create societal impact? Don't hesitate to get in touch with us.