For the first time ever, outstanding practitioners and other key players from the field of Development through Football will get together to discuss the future paths of the sector. In the framework of the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup in South Africa, representatives from streetfootballworld network member organisations and organisations involved in Football for Hope, as well as selected experts from the scientific and corporate sectors will meet for three days of discussion and networking.

A marketplace for ideas and experiences
The Football for Hope Forum shall offer practical training opportunities during numerous workshops, while at the same time participants shall have the opportunity to contribute to the “bigger picture” in plenary sessions. To ensure a dense and collaborative working atmosphere, the number of participants will be limited.

A special thematic focus of the first Football for Hope Forum in 2009 will be Africa, being the location of the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ and, at the same time, the continent where according to the United Nations most of the so-called “Least Developed Nations” are located. Additionally, Africa is the focal point of development activities linked to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals.

Increased awareness and practical guidelines for colleagues worldwide
Through the event, streetfootballworld and FIFA do not only hope to create awareness and a common understanding of Development through Football within the world of football, the media and the general public. Practical recommendations on how to implement Development through Football programmes shall be an outcome of the event and serve many organisations and individuals involved in this type of work.

The Football for Hope Forum will be organised every four years parallel to the FIFA Confederations Cup.