Football as a Medium for (Transnational) Integration of the Romani People

Abstract

Southeastern Europe is home to numerous Romani communities, each distinctive in their own way depending on their country of origin and the time of immigration, language, customs, religion etc. Based on multi-sited ethnographic research (in the Republic of Croatia, the Republic of Slovenia and the Republic of Serbia), this paper discusses the role of football (professional, amateur and recreational) in the integration of the Roma people. Considering the size and diversity of Romani communities, research results show that football, as the most popular sport, enables easier social integration into the ethnic community on the local and transnational levels. Various football activities (minority football camps, tournaments) are initiated and organized by the Roma community itself. Although the Roma people legally enjoy full civil rights, football serves as a means to reduce discrimination, inequalities, poverty and social exclusion. In order for young Roma to train in clubs, they have to attend school regularly, which results in economic integration. This research also contributes to the creation of public integration policies which are implemented by the very minority and immigrant communities working transnationally.