Ireland gives hope to Middle East Soccer Kids
Posted on 13/08/10 by Micheál Martin
I am delighted that Ireland is continuing its support for a Middle East ‘Soccer Village of Hope’ where 120 young Israeli and Palestinian children will use sport to break-down the barriers that divide their communities.
The Government is again teaming up with the FAI to support the village for a third year.
This ground-breaking project has seen 300 children from both sides of the divide come together to break through barriers of segregation and mistrust which sow the seeds of violence. For a small investment the Government and the FAI have had a major impact on these young people and hopefully given them an experience that will remain with them for the rest of their lives.
The children take part in sporting, art and cultural workshops during their stay at the Irish supported camp. During a visit to the first ‘Village of Hope’ in Israel two-years ago I saw at first hand the unifying force of soccer and the excitement of the young children.
In 2010 I am delighted to confirm that my Department will provide €55,000 for this very worthwhile project. I want to pay tribute to the Irish football coaches who travel to the Middle East each year to ensure the success of the village and to Former FAI President Milo Corcoran and Ophir Zadak, former General Manager of Drogheda Utd, who have organised the project from the very beginning.
This year we saw the impact of the first African World Cup and the positive impact it has had on a continent – in a smaller but no less important way Ireland’s Village of Hope will also have a lasting impact on the lives of the young people involved.
About the Football Village of Hope
The Football Village of Hope is an Irish-Israeli sponsored football-based peace building initiative that has been funded by Irish Aid since 2008. Its objective is to bring together Israeli and Palestinian children, give them a chance to meet the ‘other side’ and to break the cycle of segregation and distrust. In July 2009, one hundred children from both communities played football together and received coaching from professional coaches from the Football Association of Ireland. The children take part in co-existence workshops where they mix with children of the other community in small groups and are engaged jointly in peace building activities such as drawing sessions, performing a show or writing a story. In 2010 it is intended to have 120 children, including 20 girls, participating in the Village of Hope activities.
The project is organised by Milo Corcoran, former President of the Football Association of Ireland and Ophir Zardok, Ex. General Manager of Drogheda United Football Club. The Peres Centre for Peace and Al Quads Association are local partners. The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Michéal Martin attended the Football Village of Hope during his visit to Israel in July 2008. The project has been recommended for funding by Ireland’s Embassy in Tel Aviv. This year, the Irish Government will provide funding of €55,000 for this project and the 2010 Soccer Village of Hope will take place at the end of September.
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