This paper examines the role of sport in the integration of young forced migrants in Portugal by analysing its importance and impact in their lives. As waves of migration increase in scale and complexity, social inequalities are likely to deepen due to the challenges associated with cultural differences, language barriers and lack of support networks. Research suggests that sport, when used as an inclusive educational strategy, benefits settlement processes by providing a safe space for dialogue, language learning and cultural awareness. Promoting sport can foster social and cultural capital, strengthen relationships and provide a sense of belonging. However, it is not a linear relationship, as it must be shaped according to the settlement processes and each individual's past, present and future experiences with sport. In order to understand the importance and impact of sport in the inclusion processes of young forced migrants in Portugal, we conducted three case studies in different regions of the country. The data collected included semi-structured interviews with professionals working with these populations, photovoice with young forced migrants and fieldnotes. Results show that sport improves motivation and Portuguese language acquisition. It allowed them to spend time having fun and feeling connected to their home country. It served as a distraction from thinking about experiences they had during their flee, and the current situation in their home countries. Participating in sport allowed the young forced migrants to feel supported in other social contexts and to have Portuguese friends. Sport was also mentioned as a priority in life, as it allowed them to learn social and cultural norms of Portuguese society without restricting the freedom to express themselves or their identity. However, this depended heavily on the active approach of the technical teams and professionals working with these populations. In addition, language was cited as the biggest challenge to participation, including in the sports context, understanding Portuguese instructions during training, which indicate limitations in sports coaches’ cultural awareness or adequate training for inclusion of diverse populations. These results suggest the need to recognise sport as a formal element in the process of social inclusion of forced migrants, with adjusted answers and trained professionals promoting their inclusion in local communities. Furthermore, the value placed on sport emphasises its potential as an educational strategy, as its impact in the lives of forced migrants opens up opportunities to explore it as relevant element in social inclusion processes of these populations.

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