International football social enterprise AFDP Global held a tournament for young boys and girls at the Azraq Refugee Camp in Jordan ©AFDP Global

International football social enterprise AFDP Global held a tournament for young boys and girls at the Azraq Refugee Camp in Jordan.

The event was held in partnership with the UEFA Foundation for Children, the Catalyst Foundation and Lays.

Twelve under-13 boys' teams and 18 under-15 and under-13 girls' teams took part at the camp, which is home to people who have fled the conflict in neighbouring Syria.

They had previously received three months of training, delivered by coaches who live in the camp.

The tournaments were part of a wider project which uses football-based education to try and "inspire and motivate" young refugees.

Refugee coaches deliver sessions every week, focusing on trauma recovery, conflict resolution and the protection of children against exploitation.

Other projects have also run at the Za'atari refugee camp in Jordan.

The tournaments were part of a wider project at the camp ©AFDP Global
The tournaments were part of a wider project at the camp ©AFDP Global

"Football is the world's common language and has an unrivalled ability to combat today's greatest challenges," said JF Cecillon, the chief executive at AFDP Global.

"We are proud to have worked closely with our partners to make a positive impact on the young girls and boys in Za’atari, and we are committed to using our expertise to transform the lives of vulnerable refugees in Azraq through football. 

"This tournament offered a fantastic opportunity for the young people to enjoy some competitive football, test their skills and build camaraderie with their teams and within their communities."

Urs Kluser, the general secretary at the UEFA Foundation, added: "It's a wonderful feeling to see how something as simple as a football game can bring so much joy and happiness. 

"Football has the ability to inspire, unite and also teach children important life skills and values, such as teamwork and respect."