CUE Hosts A Football Training Course to Support Youth Engagement and Community Cohesion
As part of the project “Improving the Social, Economic, and Educational Opportunities of the Vulnerable Christian Population in Erbil and Duhok Governorates in Iraqi Kurdistan,” funded by the Istituto per la Cooperazione Universitaria (ICU) and implemented in collaboration with Caritas-Iraq, the Catholic University in Erbil (CUE) organized and delivered two sports initiatives on campus: a Football Training Course and a Basketball Training Course.
Running from late October through November 2025, the courses aimed to provide young participants with structured, professional-level training in football and basketball, while also creating a safe and inclusive space for positive social interaction. By combining physical activity with teamwork and discipline, the initiative sought to strengthen youth engagement and encourage community participation among participants from vulnerable communities.
The Football Training Course featured daily training sessions held in the afternoon, supported by qualified coaches and a well-organized training environment. CUE ensured full logistical readiness throughout the program, including the provision of sports equipment, training materials, and donor-visibility elements in line with ICU requirements. The course concluded one of its groups with a final match in early November, celebrating participants’ progress and teamwork, while a second group continued its scheduled sessions.
Building on this momentum, the Basketball Training Course commenced in early November and continued through the end of the month. Participants benefited from structured coaching sessions focused on skill development, coordination, and collaborative play, reinforcing the values of discipline and mutual respect.
Across both courses, participants expressed strong satisfaction with the quality of coaching, the organization of the sessions, and the supportive atmosphere on campus. Beyond athletic skills, the initiative contributed to broader project goals by promoting social cohesion, confidence, and a sense of belonging among young people.
Through hosting these sports activities, CUE reaffirmed its commitment to community-focused engagement and to supporting initiatives that enhance young people’s personal development alongside their social and educational opportunities.
