ETNOLIGA:
#FOOTBALL PEOPLE #FAIRPLAY #REFUGEES WELCOME #SHEPLAYS #FIGHT RACISM #NOTO HOMOPHOBIA #WARSAW #UNITED
Unity EURO Cup
In 2025, Poland joined the Unity EURO Cup for the first time. This extraordinary tournament showcases how football can serve as a powerful tool for inclusion, dialogue and solidarity between refugees and host communities.
Co-organised by UEFA and UNHCR, the competition brings together official national teams composed of women and men with refugee backgrounds and representatives of European nations. The Polish team is formed by Etnoliga players, with preparations supported by the Polish Football Association (PZPN) and UNHCR Poland.>
FOOTBALL ACADEMY
Free inclusive soccer training sessions for three age groups: 8–12, 12–16, and adults. The schedule for 2026 will be published in January.
FOOTBALL FOR EVERYONE
Etnoliga is a community brought together by a love of football and the joy of meeting new people in a great atmosphere. In our league, training sessions and tournaments, you’ll meet refugees and migrants, women and men, cis and queer people, players with all levels of experience. We decide the rules together and organize the games together. We play, support each other and learn as a team. In Etnoliga, what matters is your passion for the game, openness to others, and your commitment. All activities are free of charge.
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Our history in a nutshell
In 2005, we organized a casual kickabout with African and Chechen refugees. Over the years, our community grew, welcoming new groups such as Vietnamese, Jews, amateur female footballers, or local ultras. The overwhelming interest led us to establish a permanent league in 2010. What began as a small, one-time tournament has since evolved into one of Central Europe’s most recognized intercultural sports initiatives, uniting people from all walks of life through the love of soccer.
UEFA Best Grassroots Project Award 2020
Fair play & democracy
At Etnoliga, fair play goes beyond the results—it’s about respect, inclusion, and teamwork. Participation is at the heart of our league, and every season, players collectively shape the rules to ensure an inclusive and welcoming environment.
Unique Scoring System
Points aren’t just awarded for match results; teams earn extra points for respect, sportsmanship, and positive contributions off the pitch.
Inclusive Gameplay
Mixed-gender and multicultural teams foster cooperation and understanding.
Zero Tolerance for Discrimination
We actively promote anti-racism, gender equality, and respect for all backgrounds.
Beyond the game
We take our vision of inclusive sport beyond the field, reaching schools, football clubs, and international partners through workshops, educational toolkits, and global initiatives.
Workshops & Training
We equip players with skills to play better and live better, and teach managers to use soccer as a tool for social inclusion.
Educational Toolkits
We develop resources to help organizations and clubs implement fair play and intercultural exchange in their programs.
Collaborations
We partner with NGOs and sports institutions across Europe to share best practices and promote inclusive sports worldwide.
sport unites
Sport is one of the most underrated tools of social change. It plays an important cultural role and gives you a sense of belonging. A shared passion and universal principles are naturally linked to education and building bridges. We use football to break stereotypes and find a common language between dispersed groups, especially those not participating in other forms of integration due to linguistic, psychological, or financial barriers. Our goal is to create spaces where everyone feels welcome.
racism divides
Discriminatory incidents plague school pitches, local clubs, and major stadiums alike. Bananas were thrown at Dani Alves, while Samuel Eto’o and Vinicius Jr. faced relentless mockery. Jews, Roma, LGBTQ+ individuals, and other marginalized groups continue to be targeted. Women still struggle for equal treatment in football. Meanwhile, the industry turns a blind eye to human rights and environmental concerns. These issues are ours to face because this is our sport, and its future depends on us.
real heroes
Dani Alves ate the banana. Samuel Eto’o walked off the pitch. In Mexico, Maribel Domínguez fought to join a men’s club, challenging outdated norms. Predrag Pašić left Germany at the height of his career to train children in besieged Sarajevo, refusing to abandon his people. Carlos Caszely opposed the Chilean dictatorship despite the threat of torture. Sócrates championed democracy within his club, inspiring millions. Didier Drogba used his influence to bring peace to war-torn Ivory Coast. In Poland, we created Etnoliga.
