This 13-page research brief summarises findings from a 2024 mixed-methods evaluation of “Coaching for Life” (CFL), a sports-based mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) programme for Syrian children and adolescents living in Za’atari refugee camp, Jordan. Implemented through a partnership between Save the Children (UK and Jordan) and The Arsenal Foundation, Coaching for Life combines Save the Children’s child resilience approach with Arsenal’s sports-for-development model, using football, mini-leagues, and junior coach pathways to strengthen wellbeing while engaging caregivers and the wider community.
The brief presents results across three areas: social connectedness, social and emotional skills, and gender norms. It reports qualitative evidence of improved friendships, belonging, confidence, communication, and conflict, alongside quantitative findings on social connectedness. The brief also documents perceived shifts toward more gender-equitable attitudes, particularly around girls’ participation in sport and broader rights related to education and early marriage, while noting persistent community constraints. It concludes with practical recommendations for donors and implementers on gender-equity, age- and gender-responsive design, community engagement, measurement, referral pathways, and sustainability planning.
The brief was written by Deepali Pavagadhi (MHPSS and Research Advisor, The MHPSS Collaborative), produced by the MHPSS Collaborative in partnership with Save the Children Jordan and UK, and funded by The Arsenal Foundation.
