During the final week of the 2010 FIFA World Cup™, 32 teams from across the globe will converge on Alexandra in Johannesburg for a very different festival of football. For the first time ever, the “social dimension” of the game will be integrated into an official event of the FIFA World Cup™.
Showcasing development through football
The Football for Hope Festival 2010 will showcase and promote best practise in the field of Social Development through Football. The teams, made up of boys and girls aged between 15 and 18 will represent local organisations that use football for positive social change in the areas of Anti-discrimination & Social Integration, Children's Rights & Education, Health Promotion, Peace Building and Environment. Participants will be selected in recognition of their personal commitment to the work of their home organisations. These organisations are Implementing Organisations iin the Football for Hope Movement, initiated by FIFA and streetfootballworld as part of their strategic alliance.
A Festival of Football
Festival 2010 will demonstrate the power of the game, on and off the pitch. From July 4th to 10th 2010, Alexandra and the world will experience street football at its best. The mixed-gender teams will demonstrate their silky skills in a fast-paced, high-intensity tournament. A stadium will be constructed in the heart of Alexandra, providing spectators an up-close view of the five-a-side action. And there won’t be a referee in sight – fair play rules mean that any disagreements between the teams are resolved through dialogue.
Festival 2010 will encourage exchange and intercultural dialogue between participating delegations as well as with local grassroots organisations. South Africa will be represented by two delegations, including a host team from Alexandra. The cultural diversity of the participating teams will be celebrated throughout the week of Festival 2010, with photos, films and live performances portraying the world of football culture.
The event builds on the success of the streetfootballworld festival 06, held in Berlin during the 2006 FIFA World Cup™, when 24 teams came together for the first Street Football World Championship. Following a week of football festivities, the Mathare Youth Sports Association (MYSA) from Kenya were crowned champions. In 2010, MYSA will be back to celebrate the power of the game to inspire social change.
Leaving a Legacy
The impact of Festival 2010 will go far beyond the final week of the FIFA World Cup™. In Alexandra, the Festival 2010 site will evolve to provide an infrastructural basis for the sustainable work of a local organisation. The organisation will continue the use of football as a tool for social development for the long-term benefit of the local community.
Around the world, young footballers are contributing to an environment of positive social change in their communities. In early July 2010, when all eyes turn to Johannesburg for the FIFA World Cup™ Final, the Football for Hope Festival 2010 will celebrate their love of the game and their commitment to social change and development through football. We hope to see you there!
