Sport for social change
Using sport as a tool for social change, connecting divided communities, engaging youth and empowering girls across the Western Balkans region
Since 2018 we have
Bringing young people into shared play, across different backgrounds and communities.
Equipping local trainers to implement sports based methodology.
Creating large scale events where new teams are formed and play together.
Empowering girls to play together, take space on the pitch and break barriers through football.
Working in diverse environments to create opportunities for shared activities.
Activating public spaces through Mini Van Tour (mobile outreach activity) to enable interaction and play in divided and remote communities.
Bringing practitioners and institutions together to connect what happens on the ground with how decisions are made.
Working across local, national and international levels to use sport as a tool for change.
"Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire. It has the power to unite people in a way that little else does. It speaks to youth in a language they understand. Sport can create hope where once there was only despair. It is more powerful than the government in breaking down racial barriers."
— Nelson Mandela
What we do
Igrajmo Zajedno Inicijativa (IZI) works at the intersection of sport, youth and community development.
Through inclusive sport activities, capacity-building programmes, trainings and festivals, we support young people, local organisations and communities across Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Western Balkans.
Our work uses sport as a practical tool for promoting equality, diversity, trust and long-term social change.
Focus areas
Inclusive sport
We use sport as a tool to build empathy, understanding, and cooperation. Our activities go beyond play - they support learning, connection, and positive transformation in communities.
Inter and cross-community engagement and dialogue
We create opportunities for children and young people from different backgrounds to meet, interact, and build trust. By bringing communities together in shared spaces, we challenge segregation and strengthen social cohesion.
Gender equality and women’s empowerment in sport
We work to remove barriers that limit girls' and young women’s participation in sport. Through dedicated programmes, safe environments, and strong role models, we support confidence, equal access, and leadership pathways.
Youth participation and capacity building
We invest in young people as leaders, facilitators, coaches, and advocates for more equal communities. Many begin as participants and grow into active changemakers who carry these values into their communities.
Community partnerships and sustainable local impact
We work hand-in-hand with sports schools, clubs, municipalities, and civil society organizations to strengthen networks and build long-term solutions. Our approach ensures that inclusive practice continues beyond individual events or project cycles.
Public space activation
We use public spaces to create simple, shared environments where people meet and interact through sports and sports based activities.
Latest news
Our reach
We operate across Bosnia and Herzegovina and the region, bringing sports to communities where positive networking is needed most.
Get involved
Join us in creating inclusive communities through sport.
Volunteer at events
Join us on the field and help make our events inclusive and impactful.
Host a training
Bring inclusive football sessions to your community and club.
Support with equipment
Donate gear so more youth can participate.