Friday 20 June 2025 marked a joyous and inspiring celebration of World Refugee Day at the Change Centre in Dundee, where eight refugee football teams from across Dundee, Glasgow, Perth, and Angus competed in the inaugural World Refugee Day Cup Football Tournament.
The event was the vision of Sandy Greene, Chief Executive of ScrapAntics in Dundee, whose dedication to creating inclusive community opportunities helped bring this exciting tournament to life.
This landmark event was made possible through collaboration and matched funding from The National Lottery, Migration Help, Cash 4 Clubs, and NHS Tayside. Local social enterprise Uppertunity provided the fantastic food that fueled the day’s energy. The teamwork extended to ScrapAntics and the Scottish Refugee Council – an organisation with a 40-year legacy of making Scotland a welcoming place for refugees – working alongside Street Soccer, Street League, Active Dundee, and the Change Centre to ensure the event’s success.
Stephen Gethins MP, who attended the event alongside Councillor Lee Mills, Chris Law MP, and Councillor Heather Anderson (SNP candidate for Dundee City West in the upcoming Holyrood election), said:
“Today we celebrate not only the incredible talents and resilience of refugee communities but also the spirit of welcome and inclusion that defines our city and country. Events like this remind us that Scotland is stronger when we open our hearts and doors to those seeking safety and opportunity. I warmly welcome all migrants and asylum seekers who enrich our communities and contribute so much to our shared future.”
Councillor Heather Anderson added:
“The day was such a wonderful celebration of welcome and inclusion – very much needed as we live through such troubling times. It’s heartening to see so many organisations and communities coming together to show that Dundee is a city of compassion, friendship, and solidarity.”
The tournament was a powerful reminder of sport’s ability to unite people from diverse backgrounds and promote a message of hope, acceptance, and friendship. The teams brought enthusiasm and skill, showcasing the vibrant multicultural fabric of our region.
Chris Law MP said: “This was a fantastic event, bringing together refugees and others from across Dundee and Scotland, in celebration of migrants and their integration into our local communities. Football is a language which unites the world, regardless of class, race or religion, and so what better way to celebrate World Refugee Day than with this tournament. I wish to note my specific thanks to the organisers for pulling it altogether and for their more general support for refugees here in our city.”