Coaching refugees and asylum seekers requires a sensitive and informed approach, acknowledging the unique challenges and experiences these individuals may have faced. This guide aims to help sports coaches create a welcoming, supportive, and inclusive environment for refugees and asylum seekers, enhancing their participation in sports.
Ensure that sports facilities are safe and welcoming. Use signage with universal symbols and multiple languages to make information accessible.
Offer orientation sessions to introduce refugees and asylum seekers to the facilities, the team, and the basic rules of the sport, helping to ease initial anxieties.
Gain an understanding of trauma and its potential impact on refugees and asylum seekers. Recognise signs of trauma without making assumptions about individuals' experiences.
Establish trust through consistency, respect, and clear communication. Be patient, as trust may take time to develop.
Focus on building autonomy and choice wherever possible. Allow participants to have a say in their involvement and the activities they partake in.
Use visual aids, demonstrations, and non-verbal cues to communicate instructions and feedback effectively.
If possible, enlist the help of interpreters or bilingual coaches. Encourage the use of simple, clear language.
Pair refugees and asylum seekers with long-standing team members who can help bridge the language gap and facilitate social integration.
Incorporate team-building exercises that encourage interaction and foster friendships among team members.
Organise events or activities that allow refugees and asylum seekers to share aspects of their culture with the team, promoting mutual understanding and respect.
Be flexible in your coaching approach to accommodate the varying needs of refugees and asylum seekers, such as family commitments or religious observances.
Develop a network of support services, including mental health professionals, social workers, and legal advisors, to refer individuals who need additional support.
Regularly check in with refugees and asylum seekers to assess their comfort levels, address any concerns, and adapt approaches as necessary.
Create opportunities for feedback, allowing refugees and asylum seekers to share their experiences and suggestions for improving the sports programme.
Coaching refugees and asylum seekers presents an opportunity to positively impact the lives of individuals who have faced significant challenges. By creating welcoming environments, employing trauma-informed practices, addressing language barriers, and fostering social integration, coaches can play a crucial role in supporting refugees and asylum seekers' physical, social, and emotional well-being through sports.