From South Sudan to Belfast: Mary’s Journey of Resilience Through Football
Now a university student in Manchester, Mary’s story has come full circle. She once arrived in Northern Ireland as a frightened 18-year-old, struggling with loneliness and uncertainty.
Four years after stepping off a plane from South Sudan, Mary Edonga returned to Belfast — the city that first welcomed her as a teenage refugee — to share her story of courage, friendship, and transformation. Speaking at a conference hosted by the Irish Football Association (IFA), Mary reflected on how football became her bridge to a new life, helping her find confidence, community, and purpose.
Now a university student in Manchester, Mary’s story has come full circle. She once arrived in Northern Ireland as a frightened 18-year-old, struggling with loneliness and uncertainty. Today, she is a passionate advocate for refugee inclusion through sport — a voice of inspiration for newcomers trying to rebuild their lives far from home.
A Difficult Beginning in a New Country
Mary and her younger brother fled South Sudan in June 2021, seeking safety and stability after years of conflict. Upon arrival in Belfast, her brother, being under 18, was placed in care, while Mary was temporarily housed in a hotel.
Her early days were isolating. “That first day I stepped foot in Belfast, it was weird, everything was weird,” she recalls. “The weather was cold even though it was summer. The culture, the language — everything was different. I was lonely.”
Everything began to change when she was introduced to Street Soccer Northern Ireland, a community programme that uses football to empower marginalized groups, including people experiencing homelessness, addiction, and — more recently — refugees.
Finding Hope Through Street Soccer
“I was very happy because I was stressed and didn’t know anyone… then I joined football, Street Soccer, and everyone was amazing,” Mary says, her face lighting up as she remembers her first training session. “The people, the coaches, everyone was friendly.”
Street Soccer, an initiative under Street NI, was co-founded by Justin McMinn. It offers not just football sessions but also language classes, gym access, food, clothing, and volunteering opportunities. Over the years, it has become a sanctuary for hundreds of participants looking for connection, purpose, and community.
“Football is a common language,” says McMinn. “Even if you don’t speak English, you can still understand each other on the pitch. It’s powerful — it brings people together, breaks barriers, and builds friendships.”
Originally focused on tackling sectarian divisions between Protestant and Catholic communities, Street NI expanded to include refugees and asylum seekers. “We started seeing how football could also tackle racism and unite people from across the world,” McMinn explains.
Building Confidence, Community, and Leadership
Mary quickly became one of Street Soccer’s most dedicated players. Alongside her friend Louise McGonnell, who joined the program while experiencing homelessness, Mary found a new sense of purpose.
In 2022, both women represented Northern Ireland at the Homeless World Cup in Dundee, Scotland — an experience that transformed their outlook on life. “Mary’s English improved so much through football,” Louise recalls. “She started helping other refugees settle in, making sure they felt welcome. She became a leader.”
Louise, now a daily volunteer at Street NI, says the organization saved her mental health: “I do a bit of everything here. It keeps me grounded and productive. When you come to Street Soccer, you’re not judged; everyone is there to support you.”
The Irish FA’s Role in Promoting Refugee Inclusion
The Irish Football Association has been a key supporter of refugee inclusion through sport. Its community outreach programmes combine weekly recreational sessions with employment support, coaching qualifications, and mentoring opportunities.
“Football helps massively in integrating refugees into their host communities,” says Andy Hardy, the IFA’s Community Engagement Officer. “It builds confidence, creates friendships, and even helps refugees build their CVs for future employment.”
It was the IFA that invited Mary back to Belfast in 2025 to speak at their conference, recognizing her as a role model for integration through sport.
A Global Platform: UEFA and UNHCR’s Unity EURO Cup
Mary’s story also reached an international audience. In October 2024, she joined UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi and UEFA Vice President Laura McAllister in Switzerland for a panel discussion during the Unity EURO Cup — a tournament that brings together refugees and host community players from across Europe.
There, Mary spoke about her journey and how sport helped her overcome trauma and isolation. “I was afraid at first, but when I saw the video of the event, I was proud,” she said later. “It was one of my greatest achievements.”
The Unity EURO Cup, launched through a UEFA–UNHCR partnership signed in 2021, promotes refugee inclusion and social cohesion through football. The next tournament will be held in Zeist, the Netherlands, on 15 October 2025.
In 2024, Team Northern Ireland finished an impressive third place, with Latvia crowned champions.
Football, Friendship, and a New Life
Through football, Mary not only found her voice — she found a community. She now shares a close friendship with Winta, another refugee player she met through the programme. “We encourage each other, we share secrets and support each other,” Mary says with a smile. “That’s what football brings to my life: friendship and family.”
Looking back on her journey from a scared newcomer in Belfast to an empowered advocate on international stages, Mary says her experience is a testament to the unifying power of sport.
“It was very, very challenging. I was nervous. But through football, I overcame everything,” she says softly. “I want other refugees to know that no matter how hard it feels at first, there are people — and communities — ready to welcome you.”
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