Bringing Communities Together Through Play

„Let’s Play Together” is a vibrant initiative based in Wrocław that brings together Ukrainian refugee children and local peers, harnessing the transformative power of play.

 

Led in collaboration with local authorities and co-financed by the U.S. Department of State and the European Union, our program aims to create meaningful connections, strengthen community bonds, and support integration through fun and inclusive physical activities.

 

About the program

Our community-driven program is crafted to support Ukrainian refugee children in their journey of integration with local peers through engaging in physical activities. By offering trained, dedicated coaches and a supportive environment, we help children make new friends, build connections, and feel part of their community. Additionally, the program aims to develop leadership, sports, and cross-cultural skills among Ukrainian and Polish youth and their coaches, fostering mutual understanding and respect. Through the power of sports, we provide a pathway for post-conflict healing, addressing the emotional and physical challenges faced by displaced, disabled, and war-affected Ukrainians. Together, we’re building bridges across cultures, promoting resilience, and encouraging a sense of belonging.

Key Components

1

Tandem Coaching

Each of our 10 locations is led by a dedicated team of a Ukrainian and a Polish coach. This unique paring ensures that our coaching is culturally sensitive and supportive, fostering an environment where all children feel understood and included.

2

Young Volunteers

Our dedicated youth volunteers, both Polish and Ukrainian, work alongside Coaches to create a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere. The young leaders serve as mentors and role models, helping children build confidence and feel supported within their communities.

3

Diverse Activities

We create safe, welcoming spaces for children to connect at their own pace through engaging activities like team sports, urban games, and creative play. Kids can join any activity that interests them or simply enjoy the environment.

4

Neighborhood Integration

By focusing on neighborhood-level interactions, we help children build meaningful connections with their local community. Our program aims to create a supportive network where children can thrive and feel a strong sense of belonging.

We use sport-based therapy and adaptive sports, complemented by targeted training and resources, to address emotional, behavioral, traumatic, racial, gender, and cultural barriers – creating a supportive and empowering environment for all participants.

What we do

We create meaningful opportunities for children from diverse backgrounds to connect and thrive. The program pairs dedicated coaches to lead a range of activities that foster interaction, support emotional well-being, and help children form lasting friendships.

Tandem Coaching

Activities led by teams of one Ukrainian and one Polish coach, and their Assistants ensure a culturally sensitive approach. This tandem model supports a welcoming atmosphere where children feel understood and included. The dual-coach setup fosters an inclusive space, meeting every child’s needs.

Our impact

With nearly 300,000 Ukrainian children now in Poland, many are just starting to adapt to their new communities. “Let’s Play Together” bridges cultural gaps and builds social bonds. Our activities help children make friends, boost confidence, and engage with peers, fostering a sense of belonging.

We foster cross-cultural understanding and a deep appreciation for diversity among international participants, while also cultivating leadership skills and empowering young leaders to build resilient communities and strong civil society institutions.

Whether kids choose to join a structured game or just hang out and make new friends, our goal is to provide a supportive and inclusive setting where every child feels comfortable and valued. We use sport-based therapy and adaptive sports, complemented by targeted training and resources, to address emotional, behavioral, traumatic, racial, gender, and cultural barriers, creating a supportive and empowering environment for all participants.

Areas of operation

Our Tandem Coaches are set to engage with children across 10 distinct neighborhoods in Wrocław.

By selecting a specific neighborhood, you’ll discover information about  activities locations and coaches.

Activities schedule and locations

Check current activities schedule here:

Please also check any changes to regular schedules or additional session here:

Click on the selected location to expand the details

LOCATION

Playing fied
ul. Orzechowa 62, 50-540 Wrocław

LOCATION

Szkoła Podstawowa
ul. Horbaczewskiego 61, 54-130 Wrocław

LOCATION

Szkoła Podstawowa 15
ul. Ludwika Solskiego 13, 52-401 Wrocław

LOCATION

Parish hall at Roman Catholic Parish of St. Anne in Oporów, ul. Jana Stanki 42, 52-425 Wrocław

LOCATION

Zespół Szkolno-Przedszkolny nr 26
u;. Cynamonowa 40, 51-180 Wrocław

LOCATION

Szkoła Podstawowa nr 93
ul. Juliana Ursyna Niemcewicza 29-31, 50-238 Wrocław

LOCATION

Szkoła Podstawowa nr 113
ul. Zemska 16C, 54-438 Wrocław

LOCATION

Szkoła Podstawowa nr 20
ul. Kamieńskiego 24, 51-124 Wrocław

LOCATION

Szkoła Podstawowa nr 11
ul. Asfaltowa 6, 52-235 Wrocław

LOCATION

Szkoła Podstawowa nr 107
Bolesława Prusa 64, 50-318 Wrocław

LOCATION

Boisko przy ul. Wojanowskiej na Stabłowicach

LOCATION

Szkoła Podstawowa nr 50
ul. Czeska 38, 51-113 Wrocław

These areas have been strategically selected based on several key criteria:

  • Proximity to Schools with High Numbers of Ukrainian-speaking Students: Recognizing the significant Ukrainian community in Wrocław, we’ve identified schools with substantial Ukrainian student populations to ensure our programs effectively serve those who will benefit most.

  • Accessibility to ESK Parks (Emotions-Sports-Culture Parks): By situating our activities near ESK Parks, vibrant community hubs offering free cultural and sports events on weekends, we provide safe and engaging environments that foster community involvement and cultural exchange.

  • Proximity to Local Activity Centers: These centers serve as focal points for community engagement, offering resources and spaces for various activities. Positioning our programs near these centers ensures participants have access to additional support and opportunities.

  • Existing Network of Community Coaches: We’ve chosen neighborhoods where active community coaches are already making a positive impact. Collaborating with these established mentors allows for seamless integration of our programs and ensures sustainability.