I Play, I Belong, I Lead, I Thrive (IPIB) is a transnational initiative that uses sport as a tool for social inclusion, empowerment, and leadership development among girls aged 10–21 with a refugee or migrant background. Recognising the structural barriers these girls face in accessing sport opportunities, the project creates safe, structured, and gender-sensitive sporting environments that foster a sense of belonging among younger participants and leadership development among older girls.

The project combines empirical research, capacity building for sport professionals, and policy advocacy to address the intersections of gender, migration, and inclusion in sport. Through the Education Through Sport (ETS) methodology, IPIB ensures that sport becomes more than physical activity by promoting identity-building, intercultural dialogue, and personal development. Through local and international sport activities, professional training programmes, and participatory research initiatives, the project aims to create a replicable framework that enhances opportunities for marginalised young women across Europe.

The project pursues four main objectives:

– Promote awareness and encourage participation in sport activities.
– Conduct research on the impact of sport participation on girls’ sense of belonging and female leadership development.
– Strengthen the capacities of sport professionals and facilitators.
– Foster transnational cooperation and ensure the long-term sustainability and accessibility of these sport activities.

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.