Football 4 Peace: An Activity-Based Community Relations and Reconciliation Initiative

Abstract

Since 2001, the University of Brighton have been operating a pioneering sport-based peace project named Football 4 Peace International (F4P). The key emphasis of F4P is the teaching and practical application of values: most notably neutrality; equity & inclusion; respect; trust; responsibility. These values are designed to help resolve conflict and promote community reconciliation among young people through sport-related activities and elements of outdoor education. Aims are adapted for each place and space, but overarching objectives are fourfold:

• 1. Provide opportunities for social contact across community boundaries;

• 2. Promote mutual understanding;

• 3. Engender in participants a desire for and commitment to peaceful coexistence;

• 4. Enhance sport-related skills and technical knowledge.

Specific ‘on-pitch’ and ‘off-pitch’ curriculums utilising football, rugby and aspects of outdoor and adventurous activities has been developed to provide the opportunity for young people from different and divided communities to learn to play and work together so that distrust might be overcome and bridges built for understanding and appreciation of each other in peace. By having children from different communities playing on the same team, the intention has been to build trust and support, foster personal development, forge new friendships and encourage an appreciation of the skills and talents of others.

In tandem, a sustainable coach development programme centred on residential camps has been developed. Coaches charged with delivering the programme within their communities are trained in a neutral place which allows them to bond without the distractions of conflict around them. This allows them to foster the behaviour and ideals they would ultimately be asking of the participants in their projects.

Originally developed in Israel, F4P has been adapted and adopted by many organisations across the world dealing with conflict, development and human rights in various forms including Jordan, Ireland, Northern Ireland, South Africa and The Gambia. There are now curriculums in Football and rugby being used by schools across the UK.