Football Works Celebrates the International Day of Education in Prisons!

Football Works Celebrates the International Day of Education in Prisons!

October 13th marks the International Day of Education in Prisons, a day focused on promoting the role of education in rehabilitating incarcerated individuals. Every year on October 13th, the world recognizes International Day of Education in Prisons, a day dedicated to raising awareness about the critical role education plays in the lives of incarcerated individuals. This day highlights the transformative power of education within correctional facilities and its potential to rehabilitate, reduce recidivism, and foster hope for a better future.

At the heart of Football Works is the belief that football can serve as a transformative tool for engaging marginalized individuals who are otherwise difficult to reach. The program is active in prisons in six European countries—the Netherlands, Serbia, Norway, Ireland, England, and Germany—offering inmates the chance to participate in structured sports activities alongside educational workshops. These workshops prepare inmates for life beyond prison, promoting both physical well-being and personal development. Football Works addresses the critical need for rehabilitative programs that reduce recidivism and help former inmates reintegrate successfully into the labor market.

This project is a collaborative effort involving eight organizations across Europe, including the European Football for Development Network, the Serbian Ministry of Justice, and football clubs such as FC Emmen, Bohemian FC, and Bayer 04 Leverkusen. These organizations leverage football to break down barriers and reduce the stigma associated with inmate education and training. Through workshops, inmates develop essential skills such as teamwork, discipline, and job readiness, equipping them for reentry into society as productive members. This approach underscores how sports can act as a catalyst for change, creating new opportunities and hope for the future.

Football Works also emphasizes the broader social benefits of physical activity in prisons. Beyond improving inmates’ mental and physical health, sports foster personal growth, accountability, and the development of valuable life skills. By promoting teamwork, discipline, and leadership—qualities crucial for workplace success—Football Works helps inmates prepare for life outside prison. The project’s ultimate goal is to reduce reoffending by creating clear pathways to employment and volunteering after release.

Find out more on how Football Works transforms lives through sport and education here

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.