07.07.2005
For the fifth year running the University of Brighton will be spearheading an innovative football-based peace project in the Galilee region of Northern Israel.
Led by PE and sport lecturers John Sugden, Gary Stidder and John Lambert from the university - F4P (Football for Peace), sets up and runs soccer coaching camps for 10 to 14 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 cooperation between the University of Brighton, the British Council and the British Embassy in Israel, which are key partners in organisation and fund raising.
F4P begun in 2001 with one camp for 60 children in one community, and the project has now grown significantly. This year there are eight project sites, serving 20 communities, involving more than 40 British university student volunteer coaches, 100 local volunteer coaches and community leaders who, alongside the UK team, will cater for the needs of 1,000 children.
UK project coordinator, Professor John Sugden, is hoping for great things from this year's project:
"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 in general.
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 is really valued by Jewish and Arab community leaders alike."
F4P's aims and objectives resonate with recent efforts made by the English Football Association to help their Israeli counterparts to develop strategies for combating racism and sectarianism in Israeli football which is why they are supporting the project. Jane Bateman, the FA's head of International relations, said:
"The FA is supportive of initiatives such as this which show how football can be used as a vehicle to bring people and communities together. Football 4 Peace reflects the FA's own vision of using the power of football to build a better future' and we wish this project every success."
The UK party fly out from Stansted today (Thursday July 7) and the coaching projects begin on Sunday July 9. This culminates with a grand final tournament for all 1,000 children on Thursday July 14 at the sports stadium of Um El Faham.
If you want any further information about F4P 2004 please feel free to contact Gary Stidder (07940 158 291), John Sugden (07762 785 280) or John Lambert (07814 118 306).
Contact: Marketing and Communications, University of Brighton,
01273 643022
