More than 90 organisations across 55 countries took part in streetfootballworld network member Play Soccer’s 2009 Global Peace Games for Children and Youth.

In countries from Australia to Zimbabwe, more organisations held the Games in their communities this year than in any year since the programme’s inception in 2001.

The Global Peace Games are grassroots football games held by organisations and communities around the world for young players. The Games encourage children and young people to share and celebrate the values and skills they learn on the pitch and find peaceful solutions in their daily lives.

The Games take place around September 21st every year to mark the United Nations International Day of Peace and were supported in 2009 by the United Nations and FIFA.

A Manifesto for Peace
Participants worldwide had the opportunity to sign the UNESCO Manifesto for Peace to pledge that they will respect all life, reject all violence, share with others, listen to understand, preserve the planet and contribute to the development of their communities.

Play Soccer provides leadership on the international level for the Global Peace Games, with strong partnerships with SOS Children’s Villages, Right to Play and many other organisations.

For more information, read Play Soccer’s report here.