At Sportunity, we believe in the power of sport to break barriers,
bring people together, and create meaningful opportunities
for personal and social transformation.
Through the universal language of sport, we help refugees
and migrants feel truly at home in Luxembourg, cultivating
teamwork, mutual respect, and a deep sense of belonging.


SPORTUNITY
MAT SPORT
AM HÄERZ
  • 228
    unique participants
    in 2024
  • 17 countries
    participants from around the world
  • 200+ hours
    of free, high-quality training
    sessions annually
  • 12 years
    dedicated to refugee integration
  • every €1 helps
    to builds a stronger, more inclusive community
  • 50+
    volunteers supporting us each year
Discover Sportunity’s Impact:
MORE THAN
12 YEARS
OF IMPACT
OUR
STORY
Founded in Luxembourg in 2013, Sportunity began
with a simple yet powerful idea: to improve the lives of disadvantaged young people through the transformative
power of sport. Over the years, we have grown into a
dynamic organization with extensive experience in
designing and delivering impactful programs for
individuals facing challenging life circumstances.

Our mission has always been to provide access not
only to sports but also to opportunities for personal
and social growth. With dedication, innovation, and
compassion, we’ve supported hundreds of young
people building brighter futures.
What Sets Us Apart
We are independent, community-driven,
and creative, deeply dedicated to those we serve.
Our team goes the extra mile to ensure
that every program truly meets
our participants’ needs.

Our work with refugees began with the Integration
Through Sport project (2016–2018), which
provided displaced individuals with regular
sports training and opportunities to
connect with local communities.
This initiative remains at the heart of what
we do, constantly evolving with new
and diverse programs.
TRAINING PROGRAMMES
We offer activities for all ages and abilities:
Each program builds health, teamwork, and confidence, helping participants grow.
FOOTBALL - KIDS (8+)
A fun and engaging football program designed for children, fostering teamwork, confidence, and skill development. Led by a certified coach, these sessions create a safe and supportive environment for young players to learn and grow.

When: Every Saturday at 14.00
Where: Hollerich, Luxembourg
REGISTER
All training sessions are led by certified coaches, ensuring a professional, safe, and inclusive environment for all participants.
WHAT WE DO
At Sportunity, we combine sport, education, and cultural exchange to create a more inclusive and connected community.
  • Weekly sports trainings
    for refugees
    For over a decade, Sportunity has helped refugees in Luxembourg access regular sports practice.
    We bring sport directly to refugee shelters and organise free classes in welcoming, easily accessible locations across the country.
    These programs remain at the heart of what we do — creating safe spaces for newcomers to connect, build confidence, and form lasting friendships through teamwork and mutual respect.
  • Building connections
    that matter
    Our programmes also connect local volunteers with refugees, building meaningful human connections that enrich both sides.
    Acting individually or through corporate initiatives, volunteers serve as guides for newcomers — introducing them to sports, culture, and community life, while sharing experiences and learning from one another along the way. We keep experimenting with new formats that spark these encounters, because the real magic happens when people come together and share the joy of sport.
  • Belonging through
    sport
    We connect our participants to major community sports events — as runners or as volunteers — to help them feel part of something bigger.
    Celebrating among thousands, sharing the same energy, and showcasing the skills built through regular training brings a strong sense of belonging and pride to both adults and children.
    And for those who don’t or can’t run, volunteering offers the same excitement and purpose, proving that inclusion goes far beyond participation on the track.
  • Corporate impact
    programs
    We partner with companies that want to make a difference through sport and community engagement.
    Employee volunteering, joint events, and sponsorships help create meaningful connections between staff and programme participants while promoting inclusion and wellbeing.
    Through these partnerships, corporate teams not only support our mission but experience firsthand how sport can unite people from all walks of life.
GreenPlay
Building on our extensive experience in inclusive sports programs and youth education, this initiative introduces a sustainability perspective to help shape responsible citizens for the future. The 18-month project, which began in autumn 2024, transforms environmental awareness into an engaging experience for both young people and adults. Participants learn about biodiversity, recycling, and Luxembourg's agricultural traditions, all while staying active and fostering connections. It’s a unique blend of experiences that only Sportunity can bring together!


Talent Trek Camp
Initially launched as a one-time scheme, Talent Trek Camp has become our staple programme.
Held during school holidays, it provides children from displaced families with an engaging
learning environment, helping them feel more at home in Luxembourg.
Each day at the camp blends sports, hands-on learning, and cultural exploration,
allowing participants to stay active, make new friends, and discover their unique talents.
Match for Peace – Sardinia
For the first time, our activities extended beyond Luxembourg’s borders. We brought a team of Ukrainian refugee children, who regularly train with Sportunity, to the Torneo Mondiale Manlio Selis – Social Goal for Peace youth football tournament. There, they joined their peers for a few days of football and friendship. The highlight of the event was the friendly match played between our Ukrainian team and a joint team of players from Israel and Palestine.
Watching young players from countries affected by conflict come together for a match of hope and peace was a powerful and emotional moment, showcasing how sport doesn’t divide, but unites.
Partners: Social Goal.
Virtual Fitness Challenge
During the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, we launched a five-week Virtual Fitness Challenge to help residents of refugee shelters stay connected and active. Amid social restrictions, the Challenge ensured the continuity of sports practice, providing participants with structure, motivation, and a sense of community. It encouraged physical activity during isolation and recognized the most dedicated participants for their commitment and effort.
Partners: Social Goal.
Sport Fellows
We partnered with municipal administrations on this project to explore innovative, interactive formats for social integration in multicultural societies. The Eco Run in Dudelange blended sports with environmental awareness, fostering connections across different social groups and cultures. The Fit, Fun & Friends Fair in Strassen focused on promoting sports and physical wellness, offering discovery activities and masterclasses in a variety of sports disciplines.
The project was funded by the Ministry of Family, Integration, and the Greater Region
under the National Action Plan “Integration” (PAN-2019)
Merde Alors!
The campaign turned a powerful statement from Luxembourg’s legendary Foreign Affairs Minister, Jean Asselborn, into a symbol of diversity and inclusion. What started as a catchy phrase evolved into a movement that united people and redefined the conversation around solidarity. Sportunity was selected as the campaign’s charity partner, with the funds raised through branded merchandise sales directed towards supporting sports programs for refugees.
Partners: Asport and the Merde Alors! campaign.
Local Buddies
A community-driven initiative, this programme paired locals and refugees as buddies for joint sports practice. Through thoughtful matchmaking and curated activities, newcomers had the opportunity to discover their new environment through sport and build social ties that extended well beyond the playing field.
The project was supported by Luxembourg’s National Youth Service and Fondation Été, with
organizational backing from the Luxembourg chapter of Project Management Institute (PMI).
Integration Through Sport
Launched as an emergency response to the migration crisis in Europe, this three-year programme marked the beginning of our weekly training sessions for refugees. Offering a variety of sports disciplines across multiple locations nationwide, our classes catered to different age groups and included sessions led by coaches with refugee backgrounds. In total, we delivered over 1,000 hours of high-quality, free training to newcomers, uniting them through one shared language: the language of sport.
The project was made possible with the generous support of the Oeuvre Nationale
de Secours Grande-Duchesse Charlotte (call for projects Mateneen)
and the Service National de la Jeunesse.
Sporty Santas
This holiday initiative combined sports and festive activities to bring the spirit of the season to refugee children in shelters. From interactive games to personalized sports gifts, Sporty Santas created a joyful celebration filled with movement, laughter, and shared experiences, making the holiday season brighter for those in need.
Meet an Athlete
Mentorship movement connecting youth with world-class athletes, who serve as role models offering inspiration, motivation, and valuable life lessons through sports. Three renowned athletes participated in the programme: a boxing world champion Hassan N’Dam, an Olympic sprinter Debbie Ferguson McKenzie and another Olympian,
a long-distance runner Yonas Kinde.
Start
Sportunity was founded in 2013 with the vision of using sport as a powerful tool for social change. Since then, we have been leading the way in integrating refugees through sport in Luxembourg, helping those in need rediscover meaning and hope. By bringing people from different backgrounds together through joint sports activities, we are creating a healthier, more supportive, and more connected society.
MAT SPORT AM HÄERZ
GET INVOLVED
WONDERING HOW YOU CAN CONTRIBUTE?
HERE ARE SOME WAYS TO GET INVOLVED
OUR TEAM
BOARD MEMBERS:
  • Eryn Zander
    Founder & CEO
    An independent director and board advisor with over 25 years' international experience in finance, technology, and consumer sectors. Eryn serves on fund boards and advises global asset managers, recognized for her expertise in governance, regulation, strategic management, and sustainable finance.
  • Erich François
    Board member
    Experienced entrepreneur and photographer who brought the marathon to Luxembourg in 2005, Erich also founded multiple businesses in renewable energy, building wind farms and power grids. He coordinates the organisation of the ING Night Marathon Luxembourg and various other sports events.
  • Uli Grabenwarter
    Board member
    Director of Equity Investments at the European Investment Fund, where he led the creation of the pan-European Social Impact Accelerator. A book author and university lecturer, Uli is recognized for pioneering impact investing and advancing best practices for financing social enterprises in Europe.
OPERATIONS TEAM:
  • Caterina Kaznacheeva
    Partnerships & Communications
  • Yevheniia Dolzhenko
    Lead Coordinator
  • Margarita Levina
    Design & Social Media
  • Ritesh Chaturvedi
    Impact Reporting
MEDIA ABOUT US

DONATE TO SUPPORT

OUR MISSION:

IBAN: LU10 0141 4483 2170 0000

SWIFT/BIC: CELLLULL


Every contribution helps us create a more inclusive

and supportive community through sports.


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