In an era of increasing migration and displacement, integrating refugees into society remains one of the UK’s most pressing challenges. True integration goes beyond language acquisition—it encompasses access to education, essential services, vocational training, and psychosocial support for those recovering from traumatic experiences. It also includes community-building through sports, an avenue that Mosaic Global Foundation harnesses to foster inclusion, promote resilience, and empower young people from diverse backgrounds.
The Power of Sport in Building Communities
Sport has long been recognised as a universal language—one that transcends cultural and linguistic barriers, fosters teamwork, and cultivates friendships. Mosaic Global Foundation taps into this strength through a range of programmes designed to support young refugees, offering them a vital sense of belonging and stability.
For many young people who have faced displacement, adjusting to life in the UK can be isolating. Through structured sports initiatives, Mosaic creates opportunities for connection, teamwork, and mutual respect. These programmes are more than just physical activities; they serve as essential platforms for integration, confidence-building, and leadership development.
Breaking Barriers, Building Bonds: Mosaic’s Football Team
Mosaic Football Team
Football is the world’s most beloved sport—exciting, globally recognised, and accessible to all. Nevertheless, despite its open nature, many young refugees and asylum seekers face barriers that prevent them from participating. Mosaic Global Foundation is committed to breaking down those obstacles and ensuring that football remains a sport for everyone.
Under the leadership of Mr Naseem Afzle, Mosaic’s Football Team was formed with a clear mission: to create a positive, welcoming space where young people can thrive. More than just a team, it has become a beacon of resilience and community, offering players a chance to engage in something bigger than the game itself.
Beyond competing in local and regional tournaments, the team fosters camaraderie, belonging, and personal development. Through discipline, cooperation, and leadership, Mosaic’s footballers gain life skills that extend far beyond the pitch. The team is also deeply involved in outreach, promoting inclusivity and ensuring that football continues to serve as a vehicle for integration and empowerment.
With every match played and every connection formed, Mosaic’s Football Team reinforces the idea that sport is not just about competition—it’s about unity, opportunity, and the shared joy of the game.
A photo of the Old Smith FC sponsored by Mosaic.
Strength, Discipline, and Community: Mosaic’s Boxing & Wrestling Team
Combat sports have long been arenas where resilience is forged, discipline is mastered, and strong bonds are built. Boxing and wrestling require mental and physical strength, but more importantly, they instil values that transcend the ring and the mat—determination, respect, and unity.
Mosaic Global Foundation recognises that, like football, boxing and wrestling should be accessible to all, regardless of background. Yet, barriers such as financial constraints, cultural misconceptions, and lack of representation often discourage participation. Mosaic is committed to removing these obstacles, ensuring that refugee youth have the opportunity to engage in these transformative sports.
Under the leadership of Mr Fayaz Mayzamyar, Mosaic’s Boxing & Wrestling Team provides a powerful outlet for young people seeking confidence, camaraderie, and personal growth. More than just training athletes, the team fosters a supportive community where individuals—many of whom have faced adversity—find strength in themselves and each other. As a young and vibrant entrepreneur, Mr Mayzamyar has invested in several gyms in East London and beyond the Greater London.
Through local competitions, intensive training sessions, and outreach programmes, Mosaic’s fighters refine their skills while developing leadership, discipline, and mutual respect. The ethos of the team is simple: sport is not just about victory—it’s about belonging.
Training and Essential Skills for a Brighter Future
Beyond sports, Mosaic Global Foundation equips young migrants with essential life skills through structured training programmes. Workshops in communication, teamwork, and leadership complement athletic activities, ensuring that participants gain capabilities that will benefit them in school, employment, and wider society.
Additionally, Mosaic provides rights-awareness sessions, helping young refugees understand their entitlements and opportunities in the UK. By fostering knowledge and empowerment, the organisation supports their transition into independent, active members of society.
Inclusive Spaces That Encourage Growth
One of Mosaic’s central missions is to create inclusive environments where young people from all backgrounds can thrive. This mission drives all the projects of Mosaic in its effort to build resilient and safe communities with members feeling belonging to them as their new homes. In this effort, the Foundation envisions collaborations with local schools, universities, and sports clubs to ensure refugee youth have access to their facilities and resources that aid their integration.
Social events—such as celebration of Persian New Year or Nawrooz, Eid and other cultural events—further strengthen bonds, offering spaces where refugees and local youth can exchange stories, cultural traditions, and shared aspirations. Whether through a community-run football match or a celebratory gathering, these moments reinforce the idea that integration is not dictated solely by policy—it is lived, felt, and experienced in everyday interactions.
Shaping a More Inclusive Future
By focusing on youth and sports, Mosaic Global Foundation is not just facilitating integration—it is actively shaping a future where diversity is celebrated and unity thrives. Through these programmes, refugee youth are not simply adapting to UK society; they are enriching it.
With every match played, every skill learned, and every friendship formed, Mosaic Global Foundation proves that integration is not about erasing differences—it is about embracing them to build a stronger, more connected community.