28.06.2004
As Euro 2004 reaches its final stages staff and students from the University of Brighton are flying out to Israel for a different kind of football experience.
For more than three years the University of Brighton has been involved in a sport-based peace project in the Galilee region of northern Israel.
Led by staff and student volunteers from Brighton and other partner institutions Football for Peace (F4P) features the setting up and running of soccer coaching camps for ten to fourteen year old boys and girls from Jewish and Arab communities in northern Israel.
As well as helping to improve football skills, a key emphasis of F4P is the teaching and practical application of five values (neutrality; equity and inclusion; respect; trust; and responsibility) that are designed to help to resolve conflict and promote community reconciliation among young people through sport.
This project has increasingly involved co-operation between the University of Brighton, the British Council and the British Embassy in Israel who are key partners in organisation and fund raising.
Beginning in 2001 with one camp for 60 children in one community, the project has grown significantly. This year there are seven projects, serving fourteen communities, involving more than 50 local volunteer coaches and community leaders who, alongside the UK team, will cater for the needs of 700 children.
UK project co-ordinator, Professor John Sugden, is hoping for great things from this year’s outing. He said,
'Each year the Football for Peace project has got bigger and better. As well as doing some wonderful coaching and promoting coexistence through sport, our student coaches and staff leaders gain invaluable experience and are great ambassadors for their universities and for higher education in the UK.'
'This year we have a very ambitious programme, but we are well prepared and believe it will be a great success. At such a difficult time in international relations in the region our presence there is really valued by Jewish and Arab community leaders alike.'
The UK party flies out from Gatwick on Wednesday 30 June and the coaching project starts on Sunday 4 July, Euro 2004 finals day.
For further information contact: Professor John Sugden 01273 643729 or Frances Powney 01273 643786
Contact: Marketing and Communications, University of Brighton, 01273 643022
