“Sport and games are such a powerful tool for connection. You do not need perfect English to play football together or laugh during a team challenge. Shared activities create opportunities for connection, friendship, and understanding very quickly,” says Mhairi Gayer, co-founder of Compass Collective.

Mhairi is setting the tone for ‘Game On’, a community sports day created and led by the young people they work with.

Taking place on Sunday 14 June in Inverness as part of Refugee Festival Scotland, the event will bring together young people from refugee backgrounds and local residents for football, Highland games, traditional games from around the world and a shared picnic.

Mhairi tells us more:

“We’re an award‑winning charity supporting young refugees and asylum seekers aged 16 to 26 to build resilience and settle into life here.

“Our event ‘Game On’ has been co-designed and will be led by two of our Youth Leaders. They have been involved in everything from planning activities and logistics to welcoming participants on the day.”

For Compass Collective, the festival is also a chance to celebrate young people and create moments of connection across communities.

“We love the range of opportunities the festival creates across Scotland. It makes space for communities to come together and celebrate all the contributions that refugees and people seeking asylum have to offer.

“For the young people we work with, the festival is an opportunity to feel visible and celebrated. It is a chance for local communities to meet people they may not otherwise meet, in a welcoming and structured setting.

“Sport and games are such a powerful tool for connection. You do not need perfect English to play football together or laugh during a team challenge. Shared activities create opportunities for connection, friendship, and understanding very quickly.”

‘Game On’ promises a warm, friendly day where the whole community can join in.

Events details

Game On – Compass Collective

When: 14 June 2026

Where: Inverness