On April 1, 2016, the Berlin Football Association, together with the Senate Department for the Interior and Sport, launched the project FOOTBALL WITHOUT BORDERS project into being. The vision: to make it easier for refugees to access soccer and the Berlin sports landscape and to create spaces in which encounters, exercise and participation are possible. What began as a new initiative is now - ten years later - a central component of the BFV's integration work.

Since its launch a decade ago, FUSSBALL GRENZENLOS has reached thousands of children, young people and adults through weekly training sessions, tournaments, qualification measures and a variety of events. Together with clubs, refugee shelters and numerous partner organizations, a broad network has been created that brings integration to life in everyday life. Donations of materials, club referrals and individual support are just as much a part of the project as ongoing cooperation with committed trainers, volunteers and social organizations.

A particular focus of the work is on qualifying project participants for voluntary work: Around 280 people with refugee experience have taken part in training and further education courses for coaches and/or referees in recent years. Many of them found new ways into sports clubs, took on responsibility or strengthened their self-confidence. The personal stories of the participants impressively show the opportunities that sport can create, even far beyond the pitch. Ghassan Soboh, among others, has taken a special path. He has been part of the project since 2016 and has shared his experiences with us: To the YouTube video.