April 2018

THE QUARTERLY MAGAZINE OF STREETFOOTBALLWORLD

SPOTLIGHT COMMON GOAL MEMBERS AND COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS TEAM UP, FOR GOOD p. 6

FOOTBALL4GOOD & PHOTOGRAPHY IN-DEPTH INTERVIEW JORDAN QUEST EQUAL PLAYING FIELD JEAN SSENINDE, p. 52 COMMON GOAL IN FOCUS AFRICA: MEMBER PITCH PERFECT p. 18 p. 36

www.streetfootballworld.org Published by Behind a social movement there is the passion, streetfootballworld gGmbH energy and compromise of individuals who are Waldenserstr. 2–4 driven by the idea of contributing to a project that 10551 Berlin, Germany transcends their own success and existence. This is the real driving force behind collective social impact. Tel: +49 (0) 30 7800 6240 [email protected] For more than three decades, we have seen the www.streetfootballworld.org football for good movement develop and grow, motorized by the hearts and minds of first, a handful, and now, thousands of individuals who Editor-in-Chief truly believe in football as a catalyst for social Elvira González-Vallés change. Those of us who work in the field of football for good, are used to crossing paths with Copy Editor outstanding individuals who are questioning the Nadia Convery status quo, fighting to improve their communities, co-creating and sharing ideas… Yet, I never Writers cease to get inspired by the level of commitment IMPRINT Nadia Convery and creativity of each and every member of the Elvira González-Vallés football for good community. This work is licensed under the Creative Patrick Cruickshank Commons Attribution-Non-commercial- So, we talk about a movement, about collective Share Alike 4.0 International License. Contributors power, but this is really about people, about Lilli Barrett-O’Keefe exceptional human beings, from all walks of life Attribution – you must attribute the work Anja Huchthausen who, one way or another, take the conscious in the manner specified by the author or decision of walking together and putting aside their licensor (but not in any way that suggests Art Editor individual agendas. Here we talk about thousands, that they endorse you or your use of the Anne Vogt if not millions of individuals who are crazy enough work). to embark upon a joint mission and share its glory. Photo Credits Non-commercial – you may not use this Cover: Matt Moore; p.4 (top) RheinFlanke, (middle) Not everyone will be in the headlines; not work for commercial purposes. Adolfo Lee; p. 5 Dana Rösiger; p.6 & 7 KICKFAIR; everyone will be remembered; but what will p.9 (top) DC SCORES, (bottom) training4changeS; remain is more than enough for these crazy Share alike – if you alter, transform, or p.10 Indochina Starfish Foundation; p.11 (middle) human beings: being part of the movement, build upon this work, you may distribute YEDI, (bottom) KICKFAIR; p.12 Street League; changing the world through football. the resulting work only under the same or p.14 Nissan; p.15 Sport dans la Ville; p.16 & 17 similar license as this one. streetfootballworld; p.18–23 Jean Sseninde; p.24–29 Adolfo Lee; p.30–35 streetfootballworld; p.36 MTG; p.38 & 39 TYSA; p.40 TYSA; p.41 MTG; p.42 Assmaah Helal; p.45 Dana Rösiger; p.46–49 Albion in the Community; p.54–65 Dana Rösiger; p.66–69 Anja Elvira Gonzalez-Valles, Huchthausen. Editor-in-Chief

3 IN THIS ISSUE 52 6 Football4Good & Photography Spotlight JORDAN QUEST COMMON GOAL EQUAL PLAYING FIELD

MEMBERS AND COMMUNITY OUR FRIENDS AT THE NON-PROFIT ORGANISATIONS INITIATIVE EQUAL PLAYING FIELD (EPF) HAVE MADE IT THEIR TEAM UP, FOR GOOD GOAL TO CHALLENGE GENDER INEQUALITY IN SPORT, PROMOTE SPORTS DEVELOPMENT FOR GIRLS AND WOMEN ALL OVER THE 16 WORLD. Project Kick-off GENERATION AMAZING: 66 FORGING THE 2022 FIFA WORLD 12 CUP™ LEGACY 42 COLOMBIA Partner Highlight 24 Stories from the Network “FOOTBALL TAKES ME TO 18 In Focus DRIVING SOCIAL ANOTHER WORLD”: CHANGE WITH In-Depth Interview NORTH AMERICA ASSMAAH HELAL, Around the World with Football NISSAN JEAN SSENINDE, & THE CARIBBEAN FOOTBALL UNITED 50 FROM GERMANY TO JOINING FORCES ON THE PITCH BEGINNING OF A TWO-YEAR COMMON GOAL Football4Good in History COLOMBIA VENTURE TO SUPPORT FROM FACEBOOK SPORT DANS LA VILLE IN MEMBER EUROPE TO FOOTBALL: KICKING THE CONSTRAINTS: VOLUNTEER ANJA FRANCE AND STREET LEAGUE SCORING FOR THE FUTURE HUCHTHAUSEN’S PERSONAL IN THE UNITED KINGDOM “I SEE LIFE IN A DIFFERENT ANDRE LOPES, IRAN’S REPORT ON WHAT BROUGHT TO PROMOTE EMPLOYABILITY WAY. EVERYTHING THAT ALBION IN THE QUALIFICATION FOR HER FROM GERMANY TO AMONG MARGINALISED I DO NOW IS BECAUSE OF AFRICA COLOMBIA TO WORK WITH YOUTH. FOOTBALL.” PITCH PERFECT COMMUNITY 1998 WORLD CUP TIEMPO DE JUEGO. 4 5 SPOTLIGHT COMMON GOAL MEMBERS AND COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS TEAM UP, FOR GOOD

6 7 SPOTLIGHT Common Goal

This April began with a triumphant kick-off: the very Within the fi rst Collaboration Cycle of movement, moving from a classic donation Common Goal, 27 players have chosen to scheme to one of collaboration. This fi rst collaboration cycle between Common Goal team up with one or more organisations. approach acknowledges the great step that As a result, a total of 27 organisations will football players and managers have made members (including football players and managers) be part of a one-year collaboration cycle and, equally, recognises the incredible taking place from 1st April 2018 to 31st work of hundreds of organisations over and organisations that are using football as a tool March 2019. It is worth mentioning that the past three decades to advance the fi eld within the fi rst cycle, the most addressed and change the lives of millions of young to advance social change in their communities. The social topics chosen by Common Goal people worldwide. members are gender equality, social This approach has created powerful allocation of the pledges from Common Goal members inclusion and quality education. ‘players/managers-organisations But what do we mean by “players tandems’ that will be making a sustainable to 27 organisations was made public in March and teaming up with organisations”? In contribution to the fi eld. Some examples order to fully comprehend this idea, it is of these tandems include Giorgio Chiellini represents a milestone for the fi eld of football for good, necessary to understand the team play fi ghting to reduce inequalities with nature of Common Goal. Over the last Balon Mundial in Italy; US International positioning Common Goal as a new player in the fi eld nine months, the movement has grown Alex Morgan teaming up with Iringa signifi cantly and a great deal of progress Development of Youth, Disabled and and one of the largest initiatives for social change has already been made. Nevertheless, what Children Care (IDYDC) in Tanzania; has been of key importance for Common and Shinji Kagawa supporting three within the football industry. Goal Founder Jürgen Griesbeck, and the organisations in the Asia-Pacifi c region team that works with him daily, is the idea (Football for All Vietnam, FundLife that Common Goal is a team effort. As International and Indochina Starfi sh such, Common Goal strongly emphasises Foundation) to provide quality education to the importance of team play within the disadvantaged youth. The resources generated through any of the streams mentioned above. Common Goal, over 400,000€, will be used They could, if they wished, support both in two different streams: the fi rst enables streams, allocating different percentages football players to team up with specifi c of their pledges to either one of them. organisations successfully implementing The football players’ pledges are football for good programmes to accumulated in the Common Goal Fund SHINJI, WE’RE SO EXCITED drive change related to specifi c social and later transferred to all of the selected TO WELCOME YOU TO THE ISF topics (e.g. advancing gender equality, organisations. This procedure is carried promoting peacebuilding) or in out by streetfootballworld partner, King TEAM, WE HOPE YOU WILL geographic areas (communities, regions Baudouin Foundation. or countries) that they feel a connection The overall process is supervised, COME TO PLAY FOOTBALL to or to address their social concerns. The discussed and approved by Common WITH US IN PHNOM PENH, second stream allows football players to Goal’s governing body, the Common Goal support ‘Common Goal signature projects’ Management Committee, which consists SHOW US YOUR SKILLS AND – projects that build upon collaboration of Common Goal Co-Founders Jürgen TEACH US TO PLAY LIKE YOU! between several organisations and Griesbeck (streetfootballworld Founder and Common Goal members and strive to CEO) and Juan Mata (Manchester United Nita, advance the fi eld of football for good. midfi elder), Moya Dodd (former player ISF player and student, These initiatives don’t benefi t just the for the Australia National Soccer Team, 15 years old organisations directly involved, but have board member of the Football Federation the potential to improve the sustainability Australia (FFA) and Vice President of the and quality of all football for good AFC) and Luc Tayart de Borms (Managing organisations interested in the topic they Director of the King Baudouin Foundation). address. Pooling the resources, expertise Their mandate is to take all necessary and commitment of many Common measures to guide the use of the Common Goal members and implementing Goal Fund, which includes the pledges of organisations, these initiatives intensify the Common Goal members. Following the efforts of everyone involved to create the recommendations of an expert group a greater impact beyond their mere from streetfootballworld, the Common implementation. Goal Management Committee is the As part of Common Goal’s on- decision-making body on how Common boarding process, members were invited Goal resources are allocated to different to express their interest in supporting organisations or projects.

8 9 SPOTLIGHT Common Goal

COMMON GOAL IS THE MOST SIGNIFICANT INITIATIVE IN THE HISTORY OF FOOTBALL FOR The other collaboration stream – the Each project has a budget of €71,300.50. Management is a project led by WASH GOOD, SO TO BE SELECTED Common Goal signature projects – aligns Social Enterprise Initiative will be led United and will involve the development TO LEAD THIS PROJECT IS AN several players and organisations behind by Kick4Life and involves the participation and implementation of a Menstrual Hygiene high-impact initiatives that involve several of Football United, Street Soccer USA, Management (MHM) Manual in cooperation HONOUR AND AN IMPORTANT organisations and players. The Common Sport4Life, Dream A Dream, and Tiempo de with streetfootballworld network member, RESPONSIBILITY. Goal signature projects emphasise the Juego over a two-year period. The project Slum Soccer. Following this pilot phase, importance of collective power to achieve aims at developing resources and support WASH United will train three football social change and draw their effectiveness around social enterprise, using Kick4Life’s for good organisations in India in the Steve Flemming, from the collaboration of experts within experience to help other football for good implementation of the MHM Guide – Yuwa, Kick4Life co-Founder the fi eld. These organisations were invited organisations to set up and grow their OSCAR and Dream a Dream, that will be to present ideas in 2017. All of these own sustainable businesses, enabling implementing and testing the guide in their proposals were reviewed by a steering them to ultimately extend the impact and very diverse contexts: Yuwa works directly group of experts within streetfootballworld reach of their work. Kick4Life Co-Founder with girls in a very remote part of rural with the fi nal decision taken by the Steve Fleming said: “Common Goal is the India, while Dream a Dream works through Common Goal Management Committee. most signifi cant initiative in the history of teachers and OSCAR Foundation employs a The fi rst Common Goal signature football for good, so to be selected to lead multiplier-approach through young leaders projects involve 20 Common Goal members this project is an honour and an important working as trainers. Through this project a and 11 implementing organisations, and responsibility. We hope to achieve a lasting total of 2,500 girls in India will be provided will be supported between April 2018 impact through the creation of resources with MHM education in 2018. Furthermore, and April 2020. The selected initiatives and support that will enable organisations the tool will be available for other are: Social Enterprise Initiative and Good in our sector to become more sustainable.” organisations that would like to incorporate Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM). Good Menstrual Hygiene this relevant topic in their work.

10 11 PARTNER HIGHLIGHT:

NISSAN

12 13 PARTNER HIGHLIGHT Nissan DRIVING SOCIAL CHANGE WITH NISSAN At 10am on 15th February 2018 the offi cial whistle was blown to publicly announce that Nissan had joined the football for good team. In collaboration with longstanding streetfootballworld partner UEFA Foundation for Children, this marked the beginning of a two-year venture to support Sport dans la Ville in France and Street League in the United Kingdom to promote employability among marginalised youth. social impact programmes and identify with their company’s mission, which results in increased motivation, engagement Speaking at the time of the announcement, Stuart streetfootballworld designed the programme levels, performance and loyalty. Jackson, VP Brand & Communications, Nissan to build on its network members’ coherent and Chairman of the UEFA Foundation for Children and Europe explained that: “At Nissan we believe in successful curriculum combining employability with president of UEFA, Aleksander Čeferin, said: “Improving the NISSAN creating a cleaner, safer, fairer society through football activities while simultaneously providing employment prospects of underprivileged young people in the power of our people and our products. As an Nissan employees with the opportunity to become Europe is a huge challenge for us as a society. We welcome IN offi cial UEFA Champions League partner, we are involved in the fi eld of football for good. Engaging this new partnership with offi cial UEFA Champions League SPORT now looking to harness the power of football to employees in an effective and meaningful way is a sponsor Nissan Europe, who recognises its responsibility in create a fairer society and brighten the futures of key component of streetfootballworld’s corporate society and lives up to this by investing in the communities young people across Europe.” partnerships. Employees can become part of they operate in to increase youth employability.” “Football has a proven ability to bring people together and change lives,” commented streetfootballworld The UEFA Champions League Partnerships Director, Johannes Axster, “We’re grateful that partnership is another example Nissan recognises the potential for football-based social of Nissan’s dedication to and LUCK OF THE DRAW: A DAY TO With a little help from Kyiv 2018 development programmes to empower young people in growth in global sports, which REMEMBER Ambassador and 2003 UEFA disadvantaged communities, while also providing Nissan includes: major international Champions League winner, Andriy employees with the opportunity to get engaged in meaningful cricket events, such as the ICC Beyond the employability pitch, Schevchenko, Ben also completed activities in France and the UK.” Men’s and Women’s World Nissan offered 18-year-old Sport challenge number two with ease: Cups, the Canadian Football dans la Ville participant Ben “Take a selfi e with a football League, the Heisman Trust and Gomis an action-packed day out legend.” Finally, Laura asked Ben CATALYSING YOUTH EMPLOYABILITY Heisman Trophy, and the City at UEFA HQ on the occasion of the for his prediction of the biggest Using the power of football as a driving force, the programme Football Group, which includes UEFA Champions League quarter- game of the quarter fi nal draw. will assist the participating youth in their personal the Manchester City, Melbourne fi nal draw on 16th March. “Un petit classico” – “A classic,” development and with the acquisition of employability City and New York City clubs. From meeting football Ben responded, “Barcelona skills. With increased motivation and confi dence, as well as legends, training with the F2 against Real Madrid!” Later, at profi ciency in key competencies, such as CV writing and job Nissan’s NCAA partnership in Freestylers to attending the the draw, his eyes lit up when interview performance, these young people will signifi cantly the US also marks the widest- offi cial match draw, it was a full Barcelona was revealed. With A.S. enhance their chances of fi nding a job. Through the reaching sponsorship in the agenda for the young Barcelona Roma drawn next, he wasn’t able programme, they will also have the opportunity to visit Nissan history of collegiate sports fan from Paris. But fi rst he had to secure a third win. Even so, it offi ces and factories, as well as receive in-work support. – backing 100 colleges and to solve a list of challenges set was an “awesome day!” that, aside With their investment into the academies of universities, as well as select by Paris Saint-Germain defender from offering some memorable streetfootballworld’s network member Street League in Tee NCAA Championships – covering and two times UEFA Women’s encounters with football stars, as Valley and North London, Nissan will enable the engagement 22 sports. In addition, Nissan Champions League fi nalist Laure Ben noted, served to develop his of 320 young people during the course of two years. In has a number of sporting Boulleau. The fi rst – to fi nd the confi dence on camera. We will France, streetfootballworld network member Sport dans la ambassadors, including women’s champion league trophy keep an eye out for this young star Ville will channel the resources towards the participation of at footballers Gareth Bale and – was quickly crossed off the list. in the making! least 250 youth. Sergio Agüero.

14 15 PROJECT KICK-OFF Generation Amazing

Generation Amazing, a programme coordinated by the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy, is aimed at contributing to the lasting legacy of the 2022 FIFA World Cup™ and fulfilling Qatar’s promise to use the hosting of the event as a catalyst to empower people across the region and beyond.

uring the countdown to the 2022 At a gala event in Doha on 22nd March 2018, tournament, throughout its duration and the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy long after the stadium lights have dimmed, announced that streetfootballworld had been Generation Amazing seeks to transform designated as the international implementing Dlocal communities, empower young people to partner responsible for coordinating the overcome disadvantages and contribute to a new project globally. One of the main outcomes era of social responsibility in world football. of the partnership will be the construction of Generation Amazing has embarked upon a football pitches in communities identified as journey to touch the lives of people living in some of the most vulnerable to provide access to sport the world’s most disadvantaged regions and tackle and a platform for the delivery of football for prevalent social issues. Teaming up with NGOs development initiatives promoting skills such as and football for good organisations, the Supreme teamwork, leadership and communication. GENERATION AMAZING: Committee for Delivery & Legacy, has kicked off “We jointly believe in the vision that the FIFA Generation Amazing to support ongoing social World Cup in Qatar 2022 can change realities in development programmes, strengthen football the Middle East and in Asia and that is why we at infrastructure, stage football festivals and engage streetfootballworld are proud to partner with the youth ambassadors. “The vision behind Generation Supreme Committee,” streetfootballworld Network Amazing,” H.E. Hassan Al-Thawadi from the Director Vladimir Borković commented. FORGING THE Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy states, For the upcoming year, streetfootballworld “is to use football to transfer skills to individuals that has inked agreements to kick off programmes they may use within their community.” with organisations operating in India and the Since the programme was set in motion in Philippines. The goal for 2018 is to engage 26 2022 FIFA 2010, it has reached 33,000 beneficiaries in six communities in targeted countries which would countries. Beyond Qatar, Generation Amazing’s impact the lives of over 150,000 children and international programme has already been young people. operating in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Nepal and Further regions and programmes will be WORLD CUP™ Pakistan. As the initiative gains momentum and announced in due course, as streetfootballworld enters its next phase, those programmes are set joins the other Generation Amazing partners to to continue while Generation Amazing increases dedicate efforts over the next four years to fulfil its geographical spread and initiates projects in their mutual target – to reach one million young LEGACY Kuwait, Oman, India and the Philippines. people by 2022. 16 17 I SEE LIFE IN A DIFFERENT WAY. EVERYTHING THAT I DO NOW IS BECAUSE OF FOOTBALL. JEAN SSENINDE, Football Player Uganda Women’s National Team & Crystal Palace L.F.C.

Upon joining Common Goal in October 2017, the player for the Uganda Women’s National Team and Crystal Palace L.F.C. sent off her number 6 Uganda football shirt. It arrived at the streetfootballworld offi ce together with a hand-written note: “It’s Jean Sseninde here. Am so happy to be a part of Common Goal and am ready to help change the world for the better. With love and care, Jean Sseninde.” She sits down to talk with streetfootballworld about her own personal football journey, the sacrifi ces she has made along the way, and how the beautiful game has motivated her to inspire and aid others.

AN IN-DEPTH INTERVIEW JEAN SSENINDE, COMMON GOAL MEMBER 18 19 IN-DEPTH INTERVIEW Jean Sseninde

When the Defender for Crystal Palace Ladies and the Ugandan Women’s National Team publicly tires me out, but everything has that I’ve seen, the fight for the a difference to so many others. announced that she was pledging 1% of her salary to the Common Goal movement, it wasn’t her first been so worth it. women’s game, the fight for And this time I wasn’t changing foray into the world of football for good. Already in 2006 she established the ‘Sseninde Foundation’ women’s equality, the fight people’s lives in just Uganda, and, two years ago, she began staging the annual tournament ‘Sseninde Women’s Development What makes it worth the for togetherness – that has but the whole world. Cup’, both with a particular focus on empowering young girls and women. How does Common Goal sacrifice? created a passion in me to be complete the picture? What motivates the softly spoken 25-year-old to aim high on and off the Football has made me learn a part of that. I wanted to be How did your family and pitch? Why does she feel compelled to continuously and increasingly give back? Jean speaks about lessons along the way. It’s given a part of a society that works others around you react to you the sacrifices she has made to pursue her dream of a professional football career, how the beautiful me that passion and desire to towards inspiring other people joining Common Goal? game has inspired her to make a difference to the lives of others and explains that team play keep going, yearning for the and showing that everything is My family is really happy transcends everything she does. opportunities for ways I can possible, it’s just about acting for me and I am the only make a difference. on what we say. I think that is footballer back home. They From the moment I left what triggered me to start the are overwhelmed by all these home I knew that it was up to foundation and the tournament things happening, because me to make everything work, as well: being a footballer here. last year when I was going to because I had left so much at do the tournament, Juan Mata home. I wasn’t going to let that was kind enough to support, so slip away. I had to work hard and they were overwhelmed, they see how far I can go in football. couldn’t believe it. It wasn’t just my family but, I would say, the Your parents weren’t always whole country. It’s incredible. so enthusiastic about you becoming a footballer. Did Leaving your home country to they have other plans for your pursue a career in professional future career? football, establishing your Sure (smiles). I wanted to do own foundation and football Sport Sciences at University, tournament, joining the but my mum was like: ‘You’re Common Goal movement. supposed to do Human Resource The list of your achievements Management’. I’m sure it’s doesn’t end there and is because she wanted the best for already impressive. What are me just like every parent. Seeing your hopes and dreams for what has happened to me football- what is still to come? wise, she’s seen that I’ve had to Football-wise I would say that fight for it and it’s paid off in the I haven’t really achieved my end, so she’s supportive now. dreams yet. I haven’t yet got that many trophies, but it’s Aside from being a player, given me so much more. It You recently said that: What – or who – first instilled A-Levels there wasn’t even a you became engaged in makes me appreciate the game “Football is more than just sparked your passion for the girls’ team so, together with a humanitarian work. What I think there wasn’t any other a lot more being in the game. a game. It is a way for us to beautiful game? group of the others, I set one made you decide to establish female Ugandan player playing Besides currently doing my express ourselves.” What does When I was eight years old my up. When then opportunity later the Jean Sseninde Foundation outside of Uganda then and I UEFA B licence in coaching on football enable you to express brother – he was really good came to go to the UK, I knew I and to initiate the ‘Sseninde was kind of the first one back bursary with the FA, I would say that isn’t possible off the at football – would play and had to take it. Women’s Development Cup’? home, so it’s more to give the joining Common Goal is like a pitch? I would have a go and play How did that come about? girls hope. That all triggered me dream come true in its own way. I see life in a different way. with him. I started football At only 17 years of age, it must I came over to the UK when I off wanting to do this more and Being on a team with players Everything that I do now is because of him. I took it on have been hard. was 17 and I left my friends, more and seeing the smiles on that you’ve dreamt of seeing because of football. I feel like professionally, he didn’t. I’ve Taking the big step to come to I left my family, I kind of left the girls’ faces gives me joy. as a young kid, you literally everything I do now is kind always had the desire to play England wasn’t easy because everything I knew and I took the just saw them on TV one time, of connected to football. It’s ever since then. I was just 17 and I missed my risk to come here on my own Last year, you decided to join and then you’re on the same because of the decisions I family. I had to make sacrifices but I had the dream that maybe the Common Goal movement… team. I think that, for me, is a took. I feel like, for me, staging How did you make the step for the game. I think that made if I do it then other people will What sparked your decision? very big thing. I think it shows the tournament, having the from playing for fun to me realise that football is more look up to me and see that When I saw Common Goal for how the power of football can foundation, it’s a way of becoming a professional? than just a game. It makes things are possible. It was more the first time on Instagram change lives. Because, at one expressing myself and it’s all Back home in Uganda, women’s people do so much more than about giving hope to other it triggered off something, time I was in Uganda without happened because of football... football hadn’t reached the top just playing on the pitch. I young girls and boys to believe because the description in the hope and now we could give Everyone who can’t talk, level yet, so I didn’t really have started this journey a long way in their dreams and actually bio already showed me that this hope together with so many everyone who is black or white the opportunity when I was back in high school where I had go for them. Getting here to is a movement that I want to be idols of mine and we are on the or disabled gets the chance to younger to have top quality to fight to start a girls’ football the UK I got opportunities to a part of. This time, I didn’t have same team. So, I think that, for play. It’s a way they can show coaches, like I maybe would team and it’s just so many play for Phoenix, for Queen’s to do things alone, I could be now, is enough because football how happy football can make have had had I grown up in the personal sacrifices that I’ve Park Rangers and now Crystal part of a group of people and has given me that. It has given them. UK. In high school during my had to make. So, sometimes it Palace and also the exposure then – together – we could make me the opportunity to be able

20 21 IN-DEPTH INTERVIEW Jean Sseninde

to change other people’s lives to say out this speech for people the fact that when you joined while being part of a team. to hear’. I just said it casually Common Goal you were Let’s say with the and I wrote down the speech already active in the field of foundation or the tournament – two, three years ago and, there football for good through for the last two years we’ve had I was, having the opportunity your foundation and football eight teams – but I always say with FIFA and I was like, ‘Wow, tournament: What’s driving that, regardless of how many how is this possible?’ So that you to give back so much? girls come to participate in the has been such a highlight for Again, because it’s always about tournament, it’s about that me this year because it was one changing other people’s lives one person whose life changes of the biggest opportunities and also showing an example. because sometimes you can’t with football I had ever had. It’s Sometimes, if you do it then change everyone’s life in a day, also a chance for everyone else other people will end up doing but one person can always be following my journey to see that it. So it’s about setting the blessed with that one action on dreams can come true, your example, setting the pace for that day. I do everything because life can change and sometimes others to follow. It’s also about it’s about that one person whose it doesn’t have to be all about the passion of being part of a life changes on that day. It’s you, it can be to inspire or team like Common Goal. I mean, about that one person who gets to teach other people or to who wouldn’t want to be a part a smile on that day. For me, it show them we can be so much of the team? (smiles) For me, makes everything worth it. more than be on the football with Common Goal there was field. Sometimes, if you’re not no second guessing, it was like What was the last thing that successful on the field you can the puzzle had clicked into place changed your own life a little still be successful off the field. It when I heard about Common bit, that made you smile? doesn’t make you a failure. Goal. Regardless of how much I Having Jürgen (Griesbeck) am earning I would always want message me about the FIFA At the FIFA Conference for to be part of it. opportunity (editor’s note: Jean Equality and Inclusion you If I am remembered or not Sseninde was recently invited to were introduced as a strong one day, I just want to change speak on the panel at the FIFA advocate for the Women’s so many other people’s lives Conference for Equality and Game. What are the main and make sure that at least Inclusion) was a dream come issues that still need to be someone’s life changes because true in its own way, because tackled to achieve gender of whatever I did. equality and how can football help in doing so? What is your message to the It’s the pay. Equal pay. I think, young girls and boys whose for now, it’s the biggest issue, lives you seek to improve? begins at home, so maybe if she have people. Football has because women don’t see the As casual as it may sound, I was a bad mother, I wouldn’t brought so much, I’ve made reason why they should play if would say: ‘Never give up’, be who I am now, so it’s one friends…it’s more so the friends they are not earning equally out because I think every day is a thing I always thank God for. and the teammates and the of it and most of them opt to day to test you so many times! She brought me up to be a good coaches. You’re never alone have second jobs and it’s quite You just have to make the person, a responsible person. with football, you always have hectic. So I think, for now, it’s choice not to look back because, The way she is, I look up to her, I someone. the equal pay and then women for me, that is one thing that want to be that kind of person, to should have a seat at the table has kept me going: having a grow up and be an example for Is that what’s so special in big decision-making. I was strong mentality. Make friends, others. My father, too, has been about football? recently watching a speech talk to a lot of people, but more very, very supportive throughout Yes, I think it is the word “a made by Meghan Markle and importantly, just never give up my whole journey. He’s always team”, because we all have she was saying: “If you’re not because every day is very tough been the one to make sure that different ideas, but when we given a seat at the table when and there is nothing you can everything is fine. He’s been come together and we share you are a woman, then you do about it and you just have to with me through the good and all our ideas, we do things should create your own table.” keep going. the bad times, sacrificed a lot for together. On the football field, So that’s what we should do. me and always been on my side. even the greatest players We should fight to have a say Who has had the most impact They have been my biggest role wouldn’t be the greatest in the decisions that are made on your own life? How did she models. players if they didn’t have great that affect all of us – men and or he shape you? defenders, great midfielders women. If we never get the Right now I keep saying it was Who do you turn to for or the best goalkeeper. We all this time when I’ve had chance, we should start making my mum and dad. My mum advice today? are all what we are because different dreams in my life I our own opportunities. was a politician back home and You know being in the UK – of somehow, somewhere the wrote down a speech and I said seeing her and the challenges alone – has been a challenge, people who were part of us in to myself, ‘One day I’m going to In the face of this pay she was going through really but I have my teammates. I our lives: I would say it is about have a big crowd and I’m going disparity, but also considering inspired me. They say charity think with football you always being a team.

22 23 IN F CUS NORTH AMERICA & THE CARIBBEAN

NEW YORK CITY POLICE OFFICERS SUPPORT YOUTH AS MEDIATORS OF FOOTBALL3 EVENT JOINING FORCES ON THE PITCH

NEW YORK

24 25 IN FOCUS: NORTH AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN Joining Forces on the Pitch On Wednesday, 21st February 2018, New York was the I NEVER KNEW UNTIL THIS DAY scene of a football3 event hosted by streetfootballworld THAT SOCCER CAN BRING TWO COMMUNITIES TOGETHER AND together with local network members City in the TURN THEM INTO A FAMILY. Community Foundation and South Bronx United. The Michelle Mota, players from both organisations were joined by Offi cers Participant, City in the Community Foundation (USA) from the New York City Police Department who took some time off the beat to support as match mediators.

afe spaces to play are a rarity in New York most violent youth gangs. To help tackle these City. In East Harlem and the South Bronx, social challenges, local streetfootballworld network they are particularly hard to fi nd. The two members, City in the Community Foundation and neighbourhoods are only one train stop, South Bronx United, are using football to work with Sa polluted river and a few short city-blocks apart young people and help them to build leadership and fi nd themselves on unfortunate common skills, teamwork, and succeed in their formative ground when it comes to negative statistics. The years and beyond. South Bronx is the poorest congressional district These young people often hail from in the United States, with a child poverty rate of backgrounds where there is a deep rift between 47% and a high school graduation rate of only the local community and law-enforcing institutions, 51%. East Harlem is the address of the second such as the police force. In order to offer a highest concentration of public housing projects different experience and shift perspectives, in the nation and breeds some of New York City’s streetfootballworld, City in the Community

26 27 IN FOCUS: NORTH AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN Joining Forces on the Pitch

Foundation and South Bronx United teamed up matches for girls aged 5–20. Ortiz continues, “the at violence prevention and youth-development, With over 20 NYPD offi cers in attendance, with the Manhattan District Attorney’s Offi ce and football3 methodology is vital for young people funded by the Manhattan District Attorney’s 75 young girls, and over 100 spectators the New York City Police’s (NYPD) 23rd Precinct to to experience because in life, there isn’t always a Offi ce. Mota said that football3 fi ts in well with the throughout the football3 event, the two bring them all onto the same pitch – as a team. On referee, mediator, or police offi cer. Being able to programme goals of Saturday Night Lights: “When communities came together to decide upon their Wednesday, 21st February 2018, they jointly hosted learn the skills to solve problems, whether big or we sat around in a circle, I saw everyone’s face and own rules for the day. a football3 event. small, is an amazing tool to have in life.” noticed how diverse we were, yet how similarly we Football proved a neutral space for NYPD and Tasked with policing communities riddled by The participants in the football3 matches were all thought. And not only did we think the same way youth to work together to problem solve both on crime, gang violence, and drug abuse, the New York divided into three age categories: 5–10, 11–15, and on the fi eld, but also in life.” and off the fi eld. Offi cer Ortiz explains, “Sports are City Police Department (NYPD) has a precarious 15–18. Each game was meditated by 3 NYPD offi cers Bridget Mahon, the Youth Development an ideal confl ict resolution tool between youths. relationship with locals whose perception of the who led the group in their fi rst ‘3-half-experience’, Counselor at South Bronx United shared similar When it comes down to it, whether it’s basketball, force is often marred by negative past experiences beginning with a pre-match discussion, physical thoughts: “The football3 methodology was a great soccer, or any other sport it is a perfect teaching with its offi cers. Offi cer Raymond Ortiz, a play, followed by a post match discussion. Michelle way to expand the sport of soccer to include the opportunity for the NYPD and coaches to work community police offi cer from the rd23 Precinct Mota, a 15-year-old City in the Community essential life skills of communication, collaboration, with youth, rather than against or in opposition to explains: “As a police offi cer we have to deal participant refl ects, “I never knew until this day and confl ict resolution. I was proud to see our them.” In a time when communities of colour and with all different types of issues on a daily basis. that soccer can bring two communities together students build community by working together their law enforcement agencies all too often view It’s not every day that you are able to work with and turn them into a family.” Mota has played in with their peers and NYPD mediators.” South Bronx each other as adversaries, the relationships built people to help them come to their own solutions.” numerous competitive soccer programmes and is a United shares similar goals, as it uses soccer to over the course of this event have the potential to streetfootballworld trained 12 NYPD offi cers to act longstanding participant of City in the Community unite a diverse community and promote educational change these neighbourhoods, and the men and as mediators for an interactive day of football3 Foundation’s Saturday Night Lights initiative aimed achievement, wellness, and character development. women who police them, for the better.

THE FOOTBALL3 METHODOLOGY IS VITAL FOR YOUNG PEOPLE TO EXPERIENCE BECAUSE IN LIFE, THERE ISN’T ALWAYS A REFEREE, MEDIATOR, OR POLICE OFFICER. BEING ABLE TO LEARN THE SKILLS TO SOLVE PROBLEMS, WHETHER BIG OR SMALL, IS AN AMAZING TOOL TO HAVE IN LIFE.

Offi ce Raymond Ortiz, Community Police Offi cer 23rd Precinct, New York City Police Department

28 29 IN F CUS EUROPE

INCREASING YOUTH EMPLOYABILITY THROUGH SPORT SCORING FOR THE FUTURE

IRELAND UK GERMANY FRANCE HUNGARY

PORTUGAL SPAIN

30 31 IN FOCUS: EUROPE Scoring for the Future With 3.4 million young people across Europe struggling to find education, training or employment, streetfootballworld continues to focus efforts on finding ways to support those affected. Building upon expertise gained from the Team Up! project (read our article in Issue #5, February 2018, of FOOTBALL4GOOD magazine) funded through the European Commission’s Erasmus+ Sport programme, a project was launched last January with a number of new team members welcomed aboard to further expand the project’s impact.

n February this year, representatives of nine re-enter the education system and a related career organisations from eight European countries perspective,” Karina adds. She points out that this met at streetfootballworld’s Berlin office problem has wider implications for us all, since for the kick-off meeting of ‘Scoring for the “these young people often have problems with their Future’:I Albion in the Community (UK), RheinFlanke peers to shape society, which can lead to isolation and Champions ohne Grenzen (Germany), Kicken and resignation and endanger social cohesion.” ohne Grenzen (Austria), INEX – Association of These views are echoed by Mark Slide: voluntary activities (Czech Republic), A.S.D. Balon “Despite economic growth in some areas, levels of Mundial Onlus (Italy), Policy Center for Roma and youth unemployment in the housing estates where Minorities (Romania) and Fundación Red Deporte Albion in the Community works remain high, and y Cooperación (Spain). Funded by the European almost half of young people in these areas fear Commission’s Erasmus+ Sport programme, the that there will be fewer job opportunities in the project aims to tackle the issue of employability of next three years,” Mark states. The conception of NEET (not in education, employment or training) ‘Scoring for the Future’ derives from the notion young people. By harnessing the power of sport, that football is an excellent tool to achieve the young people will be equipped with transferable aim of helping young people get back on the right skills to support their employability. With its track. Mark explains how his organisation attempts emphasis on “communication, teamwork, reliability, to address the issue: “Albion Goals football time-keeping and resilience, the project will help mentoring provides that support, and is a bridge to young people to make positive lifestyle changes that other agencies to be supportive, too. Young people will help them move nearer to work, or find work,” need to do something positive with their lives, and Mark Slide, Assistant Inclusion Manager at Albion in use their skills and abilities to earn money. This in the Community summarised. turn gives young people self-worth and value.”

A PROBLEM FOR US ALL TEAMING UP AGAIN According to Kicken ohne Grenzen’s Karina Lackner, The ‘Albion Goals’ programme run by the UK-based the 3.4 million NEET young people in the EU often streetfootballworld network member is just one struggle with other areas of their lives and due to example of the kind of know-how and experience their predicament tend to lack “self-confidence, attendees brought to the kick-off meeting in Berlin, motivation, self-discipline and support in the family.” as they embarked upon the new two-year venture This leaves them without “the necessary skills to by building on the achievements of the 2015–2017

32 33 IN FOCUS: EUROPE Scoring for the Future

Team Up! project. 24-month project period, the WHY FOOTBALL? EVEN THOUGH MANY OF “The Team Up project group will reconvene for three As highlighted by the European was an excellent opportunity annual meetings and site visits Union Work Plan on Sport (2014– THE PARTNER INSTITUTIONS to see other football-based in Bucharest, Brighton and 2017), the sport sector has great ARE ALREADY WELL employability programmes in Cologne hosted by the local potential to promote and achieve action,” comments Mark Slide, participating organisations. sustainable social inclusion, ESTABLISHED, WE LEARNED “This has enabled us to evaluate Together, they will review education and training. This path IN MUTUAL EXCHANGE THAT best practice and impact, and football-based methodologies has been followed further by the look at new ways of delivering and programmes to increase European Commission’s Expert WE ALSO FACE THE SAME the programmes to Albion Goals young people’s employability Group on Human Resources CHALLENGES OR PURSUE VERY participants.” prospects and jointly author a Development in Sport, which According to him and the Training-of-the-Trainer toolkit focused on employability of NEET SIMILAR IDEAS. other project members, Team so that these learnings can be young people in and through Karina Lackner, Up! was a well-received success, implemented in and beyond sport. streetfootballworld has Kicken ohne Grenzen, bringing together a number of their own programmes, in been a partner in these high- Austria organisations in the spirit of Europe as well as in other level discussions in an observer collaboration. Relationships were regions of the world. role of the Expert Group, which strengthened and experiences were shared, allowing each organisation to learn from and inspire others. The exchange of knowledge and best practices published its fi ndings to the positions on social inclusion and will be involved in the design established alignment across Council on 20th February 2017. integration and the output from and development of Training- different social contexts and We identifi ed sport and, in the Expert Group on Human of-the-Trainer toolkit, and led to the production of the particular, football as a highly Resources Development in with many more trainers, Team Up! Toolkit. “I believe that effi cient and attractive tool to Sport, ‘Scoring for the Future’ managers, decision-makers and ‘Scoring for the Future’ will take engage young people (boys and will apply a series of innovative other multipliers exposed to that process one step further,” girls) in non-formal educational methodologies and approaches best-practice examples in Mark added. activities and to keep them throughout the planning phase, engaged. Youth, and especially implementation, dissemination THE BIG KICK-OFF NEET young people, are better and the project’s legacy. At the ‘Scoring for the Future’ able to cope with challenges kick-off meeting in Berlin, if they feel empowered and YOU CAN’T SCORE IF YOU attendees were able to elaborate educated to take control of DON’T SHOOT on the relevance of the project their lives and proactively drive ‘Scoring for the Future’ is to their organisations and their change in their communities. necessarily ambitious for it to expectations for the future. “The One of the best ways to promote tackle such pressing concerns: project is a way for us to learn these positive life skills is Over the next two years, from already very experienced through youth leadership in the involved organisations and established organisations sports. Combined with the needs from across Europe will and initiatives,” Karina Lackner identifi ed in streetfootballworld’s reach approximately 13,000 from Kicken ohne Grenzen internal analyses conducted in young sportspeople (from pointed out. As a new addition the European network and the disadvantaged backgrounds, to the team she shared her issues highlighted throughout refugees, host communities, excitement about joining the the work plan on sport, such as migrants). Through their group, stating that: “The project participation in inclusive sport provides a suitable platform training programmes, they the fi eld of skill-development for synergy effects where great will develop key life skills in through sport, the learnings knowledge transfer can produce communication, teamwork, from the project will outlive the best possible impact. The confl ict resolution, leadership its offi cial duration. Towards kick-off meeting in Berlin was and tolerance. the end of the ‘Scoring for the an inspiring encounter for us. These young people will, Future’ lifespan, key fi gures from Even though many of the partner in turn, use the experiences European grassroots sports, institutions are already well they have gained through government and private sector established, we learned in mutual these programmes to become organisations will gather at a exchange that we also face the multipliers of sport-based youth multiplier event to present the same challenges or pursue very employability methodologies results of the programme on a similar ideas.” in their communities and sports European stage to international Over the course of the clubs. 20 coaches and managers stakeholders.

34 35 IN F CUS AFRICA

PITCH PERFECT GIZ-FUNDED PROJECT PROVIDES KENYAN COMMUNITIES WITH SAFE SPACES TO PLAY

KENYA

36 37 IN FOCUS: AFRICA Pitch Perfect

To give children and young people in Kenya access rom the over two in Lesotho, have been able to been active in the country million young people create self-sustainable institutions since 1987 and cover its core to sport, the GIZ-funded pilot project ‘More Space the streetfootballworld with libraries, accommodation regions, from the eastern coast network reaches each and schools around their initial to Nairobi, to the northern for Sport – 1000 Chances for Africa’, carried out by Fyear, more than one million live facilities. In a number of locations and western regions. The in Africa. Our members in this worldwide, we have also built eight Kenyan high-impact streetfootballworld together with local network region are experts in the use of mobile pitches designed to fit any grassroots organisations have football to address peacebuilding, local need. established close cooperation members HODI, MTG and TYSA, has created a series gender equality, HIV/AIDS, WASH With this track record with one another, learning (Water and Sanitary Hygiene) and as a stable foundation, the from each other’s experiences of safe places to play through the construction of many other critical social issues, pilot project ‘1000 Chances for and jointly strengthening their but their impact is often limited Africa’ was launched in Kenya programmes. All organisations football pitches and programme support across the by insufficient access to sports in 2015 with the aim of later have strong affiliations with infrastructure. streetfootballworld scaling across the continent. schools, businesses, local region. This infrastructure also serves as a platform previously addressed this issue For this, Kenya offered an administrations and regional through a World Cup 2010 legacy excellent opportunity to create governments in the regions for expanding existing programmes or developing project with the construction a best practice model of this where they work. Providing this of holistic centres for health infrastructural approach to group with individually adapted new initiatives to promote equal opportunities and and education based around development through football. infrastructure was aimed at football pitches. These centres, streetfootballworld’s network bolstering the positive impact of education in marginalised communities. such as that hosted by Kick4Life member organisations have sport on Kenyan society. 38 39 IN FOCUS: AFRICA Pitch Perfect

I’M VERY MUCH MOTIVATED AND INSPIRED TO PLAY ON THIS FIELD WHICH LOOKS LIKE AN INTERNATIONAL FIELD! I HAVE LEARNED HOW TO BEHAVE WELL ON AND OFF THE FIELD, MORE THAN A PLACE TO PLAY Referring to his organisation’s my peers fairly, with respect, and TREATING MY PEERS FAIRLY, WITH RESPECT, AND HARD With funding from the German community, Francis Ojilo, Sports hard work among other values,” WORK AMONG OTHER VALUES. THESE VALUES WERE NOT IN Corporation for International for Development Coordinator admitting that “these values Cooperation GmbH (GIZ), we at TYSA, remarks: “Among the were not in me sometimes back ME SOMETIMES BACK WHEN THIS FIELD WAS NOT AVAILABLE teamed up with three of our major challenges facing young when this fi eld was not available FOR PLAY. Kenyan network members, Horn people in the community around for play.” of Africa Development Initiative TYSA are child labor, neglect (HODI), Moving the Goalposts and drug abuse.” Other topics With the construction Newton Kipng’eno, Kilifi (MTG) and Transforming addressed by TYSA, HODI and complete, these communities Participant TYSA, Young Stars of Africa (TYSA) to MTG include gender inequality, Kenya set the ball rolling towards the lack of access to schools and not only have safe spaces attainment of the overriding quality education. to play for their children project goal: providing existing The fi rst football pitches and youth, but also a hub local organisations (NGOs, were built on readily available for carrying out long-term community centres, schools, youth clubs etc.) with the activities and programmes necessary infrastructure to to address the region’s promote social development most prevalent social issues. through sport. First and foremost, many communities lack adequate Francis Ojilo, Sports for spaces for their children Development Coordinator at and youth to play. As Dorcas TYSA, notes that: “With the Amakobe, Executive Director presence of TYSA’s Youth and of Moving the Goalposts (MTG) Community Sports Resource remembers from a visit to a Centre that was funded by GIZ, football match on an improvised TYSA has been able to address pitch in his organisation’s local parcels of land in highly some of the challenges facing community: “I never understood underserved areas. A key part of its target group. The football why there were so many the process was the involvement fi eld is the school of life at TYSA players stopping and bending of the local communities in and that’s why we are grateful towards their feet.” Upon all stages of the production, to GIZ’s aid in the construction closer inspection, he realised including architectural design, of the centre,” adding that the that it was because the young construction and, whenever pitch is a place where TYSA’s footballers, many of who were possible, skill building “trained coaches and volunteers playing barefoot or in fl ip fl ops, programmes. This served help these children and youth to had been pricked by thorns to both boost the economy overcome the problems through characteristic of the region’s of the region and to spark a football and life skills sessions. predominant vegetation. sense of ownership amongst With our slogan ‘Play, Learn and locals, the latter being crucial Act’, the target group takes the Through the construction to the success and sustainable messages and lessons learned on of the pitches, these outcome of the project. the football fi eld and puts them Taking ownership of ‘their into practice in their daily life.” communities were not only pitches’ was not something the With the bulldozers pulling able to gain a place local children and youth had any away from the fi nal pitch to where football can be played diffi culty with. Newton Kipng’eno, be completed at the end of with ease – and without a Form Two student and TYSA February this year, the project participant, commented: “I’m ‘More Space for sport – 1000 pain – but also hubs for very much motivated and Chance for Africa’ has come to a carrying out long- inspired to play on this fi eld successful close with four pitches term activities and which looks like an international constructed or refurbished programmes to tackle the fi eld!” Through the programmes throughout the country. For the taking place there, he says that children and youth, this is only region’s most prevalent he has “learned how to behave the beginning, as they line up to social issues. well on and off the fi eld, treating take their places on the pitch!

40 41 Though Assmaah Helal grew up in a family of football STORIES enthusiasts, she almost hung up her football boots. FROM THE NETWORK FOOTBALL UNITED Twice. But with her father cheering her on, she realised that if she really wanted to play, nothing and no one could stand in her way. Today, the 31-year-old uses her love of the sport to affect social change as Programme Operations Manager at Sydney-based NGO Football United during working hours and, after clocking off, to fulfi l her goal of turning women’s leadership in football into the norm.

“You know how parents live vicariously through their children?” Assmaah asks laughing. When it came to football, she and her three brothers’ most ardent supporter was their father. Feeling pressured by his eldest brother’s perception of football as blocking his educational advancement to give up the sport, Assmaah’s father vowed it would be different for his children. After emigrating from Egypt to Australia, he ensured that in his family’s new home, all of his children would be signed up to a sports team. “Football was in our blood,” says Assmaah, “We would watch all the World Cup games and stay up all hours of the night watching the English Premier League,” she recalls. The beautiful game brought the family together. When Assmaah fi rst played on a team herself at the age of six, she admits that she hated it: “Being the only girl, I was a bit bullied.” Perhaps football wasn’t for her, after all. For a few years, she left the pitch behind and worked her way down a list of other sports: tennis, karate, athletics. But nothing could quite compare, as it soon became clear that there was something that these sports couldn’t offer her: “They were all solo sports and I realised that I was missing the passion for working as a team and achieving a goal together. My calling was back to football.” ASSMAAH HELAL, AUSTRALIA: THERE’S NO MATCH FOR FOOTBALL With more girls’ football teams now on the scene, Assmaah had a very different experience when she returned to the sport: her new team in the western suburbs of Sydney felt like a safe space where she could hone her talent. “FOOTBALL TAKES ME In this environment, football was also able to help her develop valuable skills to employ beyond the pitch. “I was a very shy child and still am a bit of an introvert,” Assmaah refl ects today, “but on the pitch, it takes me to another world. It really brings out this other TO ANOTHER WORLD” level of confi dence and communication. As a centre back I have to 42 43 STORIES FROM THE NETWORK “Football takes me to another world”: Assmaah Helal

lead from the back and have a very controlling and be a reason beyond her own novelty that there how society says. It’s important to embrace the “What am I doing after hours?” From raising assertive voice. I feel that that quality enables me to weren’t other girls and women on the pitch who non-traditional ways of playing football. You know, awareness during the Australia-wide campaign really be a good leader in the work that I do just to wore the hijab. She felt frustrated and asked herself by starting your own leagues, your own competitions ‘Female Football Week’ to starting a ‘Muslim Women communicate effectively with my team members.” “Why don’t others feel motivated to play the game where you feel safe and you can embrace your in Sport network”, Assmaah’s energy in aid of social that I love?” identity in a non-threatening way.” change seems limitless. Shortly after speaking to “They play hard, you play harder back. “I went through a phase in my life when I was When FIFA issued a ban on the hijab for FOOTBALL4GOOD magazine, she boarded a plane Everyone respects each other on the fi eld surrounded by some really toxic people who were professional footballers in 2007, Assmaah was for Jordan to participate in the world’s lowest football saying: ‘You shouldn’t be running around in public concerned that it would prevent women from playing match by the Dead Sea as part of the ‘Equal Playing because this is the game.” and playing a sport with hijab,’” Assmaah explains. the sport on a global scale. She knew she had to Field’ campaign to empower women in sport. They expressed their opinions with such vigour that Another thing the budding footballer learned was Assmaah began to wonder if they might be right and the art of decision-making: “On the fi eld you make so she should just do as they said. “But even then I was many decisions. In football, you don’t have much time like: ‘But there must be a way for me to still play!’” to think and you just do and if you make a mistake She decided to research into the matter and you’ve got to just come back from that mistake asap. began asking her friends and acquaintances within You can’t put your head down and walk away. And the community why they stopped playing when that’s something I’ve applied to my life. Just make a they reached secondary school. Many said that decision quick and if it’s a bad decision just suck it up, it was because they were “focused on education move on and make the next mistake!” or that their parents didn’t prioritise sport for Despite all of these gains, Assmaah almost them.” Just like her father’s eldest brother, many hung up her football boots for a second time a few of Assmaah’s peers also believed that sport years later. When, at the age of 12, she decided to and education were diametrically opposed. A start wearing the hijab, she wondered whether this belief, Assmaah felt, that was based on a lack of meant that she would have to give up football after education: with more knowledge, they would see all. When she sought counsel from her father, he “how the two can marry one another; that, actually, was incredulous: “Why are you even thinking of it sport is good for education.” this way? There should be no question about you continuing or not. We’ll fi nd a way for you to play. “It’s important to embrace the non- We’ll fi nd a way for you to wear the hijab in a way that traditional ways of playing football. is acceptable by the league.” Together, they spoke to the football association and received their backing. You know, by starting your own leagues, Assmaah’s doubts were further allayed by your own competitions where you feel the reaction of her teammates. Though none safe and you can embrace your identity of them wore Islamic dress, she received their in a non-threatening way.” unanimous support: “When you are a member of a team and you work hard, show up to training, lead get involved. “I was one part of a global campaign A CAREER-PATH SAVE and communicate effectively, no one cares how that was driven by incredible people like Prince Ali you look or you dress.” This sentiment extended Another obstacle blocking many girls’ path to the in Jordan or Moya Dodd here in Australia”, she says Looking at her life now, it is hard to imagine that beyond her own team to the opposition: “they pitch was that they simply didn’t perceive it as a modestly. She admits that she had an important role Assmaah’s career initially took a very different play hard, you play harder back. Everyone respects safe space. At a certain age, Assmaah also didn’t to play as a woman who wore the hijab in a western turn. After studying Exercise Science, she spent each other on the fi eld because this is the game,” feel comfortable running about in public, “I was context “to show that it wasn’t just a culturally Middle three years working as a personal trainer. “I was Assmaah notes, admitting with a laugh that: “If really body conscious,” she confesses. “If you think Eastern thing, but that it was a global concern (…). still helping people,” Assmaah says, but to her there’s tension, then it’s because I maybe wrongly about women-only gyms – it’s just about women I know it was a campaign beyond me and it was for it felt monotonous and she was overcome with tackled her. That’s not to say it doesn’t happen, but wanting to be in a safe environment.” future generations that come after me. So, I made a frustration at developing programmes and fi tness thankfully I have never received negativity during In her fi nal year at university, she resolved to big effort to make sure that my voice was heard.” In plans for people who “were just keeping the same my football experience.” tackle the issue and set about organising a women’s early March 2014 the ban was permanently lifted. habit” week after week. only futsal tournament mainly aimed at Muslims, but She resigned and never looked back. “I including all other women who wished to take part. fi nd it really rewarding working with young CHAMPIONING DIFFERENCE “The response was incredible,” Assmaah FOOTBALL4GOOD WORK IS people. They’re just ready to learn, ready to take remembers, “In the fi rst year we registered eight challenges, be responsible, to have people believe For a long time, Assmaah relished the fact that teams. I know that doesn’t sound a lot. It was eight NEVER DONE in them. They inspire me every single day just to be being the only footballer wearing the hijab set her teams of about ten, so that was eighty people. It a good role model.” When asked how she would apart. “I was like, ‘yeah, I’m unique.’” As a teenager, grew to about 160 people and 24 teams. It still runs A knee injury may have forced Assmaah to take defi ne a good role model, she responds without she cultivated a hijabi-hip hopper coolness. In a fi t of to this day.” a break from the football pitch, but it has only needing to refl ect: “I think it’s important for any pubescent idolatry towards one of her favourite hip The numbers have recently declined, which intensifi ed her football for good activities. “I young person to have people in their life to be hop artists at the time, “I nearly changed my name Assmaah feels is due to the fact that many women need to be doing things constantly,” Assmaah inspired by, to show them what is possible but not to Latifa,” Assmaah remembers laughing. feel increasingly comfortable “engaging in the admits. Though, for the past 10 years, she has necessarily that they would emulate, so it’s not Being different, however, lost its appeal as mainstream system.” The important thing, she been working full-time for Football United, an about copying someone, it’s about seeing what is Assmaah’s increasing involvement in the Muslim states, is for women to have options. “Not everyone NGO focused on using sport for social change in possible, being able to pursue a path that you’re community made her acutely aware that there must has to be part of a club, not everyone has to play Australia and Asia, she constantly asks herself: passionate about.” Just like she was able to.

44 45 STORIES FROM THE NETWORK Glued to his phone, addicted to video games, physically ALBION IN THE inactive and with poor exam results, Andre lacked COMMUNITY direction in his life. After hearing about Albion in the Community through a close friend, Andre decided to give it a go and has not looked back since. The ‘Albion Goals’ programme reignited his passion for football and unleashed a new sense of ambition. As Andre swaps Snapchat for sports gear, he lets us in on his new-found skills and aspirations to reach his ambitious goals for the future.

BACK IN THE GAME 17-year-old Andre Lopes was born and raised in AITC. The programme’s focus on life skills and the English coastal town of Worthing in Sussex. The raising young people’s aspirations has impacted next largest city is Brighton, the home base of non- Andre so much, he now enthusiastically states, profi t organisation and streetfootballworld network “Football is my life. It’s more than a hobby,” before member Albion in the Community, the offi cial charity elaborating on his personal goals within the game: of English Premier League side, Brighton and Hove “If you get to do something you enjoy as a job, you Albion Football Club. It was there that Andre met are doing something you love every day.” “Slider”, as he affectionately calls Mark Slide, one of As well as hoping to soon line up for local side his mentors at the organisation that uses the power Worthing Town, Andre attends AITC training of football to improve the health, wellbeing, and sessions every week and it is through these that he education of young people in the local community. got his fi rst exposure to football3. He took part in With Mark Slide and other AITC team members a football3 tournament and is as positive about ANDRE LOPES, UNITED KINGDOM cheering him on, he gained new confi dence on the its unique approach to football-based skill learning pitch and a fresh sense of purpose. as he is about the game as a whole. Since joining Albion in the Community, Andre has enrolled at Chichester College, where he IT’S ALL ABOUT RESPECT hopes to improve his job prospects by retaking “I loved it! All the players and I learnt so much his exams and obtaining coaching qualifi cations. respect and especially about fair play. We learnt a Ultimately, he would like to play, coach and manage lot about equality, that both genders have certain FROM FACEBOOK professionally within the football world. skills but it was really good to see that women “I used to just stay at home, not really go out and can do the same things as men, and men the same just be on my phone all day,” refl ects Andre on how as women. It brought everyone together like a TO FOOTBALL he would aimlessly spend his days before joining family and made it more fun.” 46 47 STORIES FROM THE NETWORK From Facebook to Football: Andre Lopes

IT WOULD BE FUN TO TAKE A FOOTBALL3 SESSION AS A MEDIATOR. IT COULD HELP WITH MY COACHING AMBITIONS. USING THE SOCIAL SKILLS I HAVE LEARNT, I WOULD LIKE TO HELP OTHERS ALSO IMPROVE.

Andre Lopes

An integral component of football3 is that INSPIRATION TO ASPIRATION fans and is just a good person in general.” like to give chances to people who might not participants decide upon their own in-game rules Like many a young football lover, Andre is torn Speaking of his Portuguese background, normally have them.” and ensure they are adhered to, rather than between the incessant debate over who is better – Andre remembers how he “went to Portugal once having a referee. Fair play is therefore given more Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo? After straining to give a and it was one of the greatest experiences of my GOING AFTER DREAMS prominence while the hope is that players are defi nitive answer, Andre eventually gave Messi the life. I went to a cousin’s wedding when I was a Andre is but one example of the personal growth more mindful of their approach given the extra nod for ability, but it is Ronaldo who really strikes young boy and it was a beautiful, amazing place” and impact that can be felt by participants responsibility, which Andre happily feels he learnt a chord for his work beyond professional football, and adds laughing: “Better weather than England!” in streetfootballworld’s network member from. “Both teams celebrated when a goal was as well as Andre’s own proud Portuguese heritage. “I would love to play for Portugal because programmes. He feels his outlook on life has scored, which I didn’t expect, but it was all about Andre also hopes to play for Portugal one day and of Ronaldo and my Portuguese family. I speak changed thanks to Albion in the Community and respect for the other players.” was keen to point out he is a “striker at heart”, Portuguese to them when at home.” football3, with reignited ambitions and new-found When asked if he would recommend football3, despite currently being deployed in midfi eld. With In his desire to follow Ronaldo’s example, motivation to do his best to keep improving. Andre replied without hesitation, “Defi nitely. It’s the same often being said about Ronaldo, the pair Andre believes the skills he took from football3 and Before leaving to resume the pursuit of his lofty a really good game and I hope to play more in the are somewhat kindred spirits. Albion in the Community will go a long way to help goals, Andre had a parting message for anyone future. I hope it becomes a more popular game “I’ve always looked up to family members, that dream. “It would be fun to take a football3 else in a similar situation: “Don’t give up on in the times to come.” On personal learnings he but Ronaldo is one of my inspirations because he session as a mediator,” Andre says, “it could help your dreams, try to achieve them as much as you continues, “It’s all about fair play, respect and worked so hard to be noticed and improve his skills. me with my coaching ambitions. Using the social possibly can.” social skills. Being honest and respecting people, I’ve always looked to him, his charity work and that skills I have learnt, I would like to help others also whoever they are.” he wants to help others. He always has time for improve. If I become a scout or manager, I would

48 49 FOOTBALL4GOOD IN HISTORY Kicking the Constraints 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 THE 2002 CONSTRAINTS 2001 IRAN’S QUALIFICATION FOR 1998 2000 WORLD CUP 1999 1998 In November 1997, the Iranian A NIGHT TO political expression in the Iranian ONWARDS TO men’s national football team capital, Tehran. Defying societal faced Australia in a play-off for REMEMBER norms, many women removed FRANCE a place at the 1998 World Cup in their veils and took to the streets France. After a 1–1 draw in the On 29th November 1997, barely alongside men to honk their car More such scenes followed six 1997 first encounter at home, the team a month after Mohammed horns, wave flags and dance months later as the national traveled to Melbourne for a tense Khatami was elected as president together to blacklisted music. side faced the United States in second leg, but the occasion is promising a less restricted Shortly after, 5,000 women the tournament proper. The noted for its drama off the pitch society, the men’s national stormed the national stadium strained political relations of the 1996 as much as on it. football team faced Australia in two nations saw the US Soccer In its short, tumultuous a winner-takes-all second-leg President bill the occasion “the history, the Islamic Republic of qualifier for a place at France mother of all games.” In a full- Iran has provided numerous ’98. The political context building blooded affair, Iran held on to 1995 pivotal talking points. Amidst up to the game in Melbourne record their first ever victory in recent political unrest on home and the tense 90 minutes that the World Cup and the Iranian soil, with a place in the World Cup followed sparked memorable people again exploded into fits 1994 in Russia on the horizon, football scenes in Tehran. of celebration. “People danced for good in history looks back to With just 20 minutes in the streets, openly drinking a moment remembered fondly As an Iranian journalist remaining, Australia held a alcohol and women removed 1993 across the nation. The night notes, “in terms of freedom of seemingly unassailable 2–0 (3–1 head-scarves,” remembers Iran qualified for the 1998 World expression, soccer stadiums aggregate) lead until Karim FIFA media officer Mehrdad 1992 Cup in France and subsequent are nearly as important as the Bagheri’s goal turned the tide to Masoudi. “The Revolutionary performance at the tournament. internet in Iran now. The protest give Iran a glimmer of hope. Just Guard didn’t do anything about Since the revolution that is more secure there because the four minutes later, Khodadad it because they were so happy. 1991 ousted the Shah in 1979, the police can’t arrest thousands of Azizi’s name was written into They were football fans first and potential of World Cup qualifiers people at once. State television Iranian football folklore as he Revolutionary Guards second.” to create opportunities to broadcasts many matches live netted the equaliser which sent These events are as relevant 1990 protest have been common in and the people use it as a stage his team to France on the away today as they were 20 years ago, Iran. To this day, the prevailing for resistance. They’re showing goals rule. where the team was being but they illustrate the uniting conservative culture restricts the banners to the cameras and The drama was not limited welcomed to protest a ban from force that football can be to bring 1989 voicing of displeasure towards chanting protest songs, which is to the pitch, however, as the attending matches and defy calls divergent groups together against the regime, with football as one why some games are broadcast victory celebrations escalated in the media for them to watch the societal constraints. What does 1988 of the few remaining outlets. without sound now.” into spontaneous displays of ceremony on television at home. Russia ’18 have in store?

50 1987 FOOTBALL4GOOD AND PHOTOGRAPHY FOOTBALL4GOOD AND PHOTOGRAPHY

52 53 FOOTBALL4GOOD AND PHOTOGRAPHY Jordan Quest: Equal Playing Field

“The Jordan Quest offered us a unique opportunity to work on two of our key reasons for existence at the same time: One, to again highlight – and overcome – the mountains that girls and women face in sport, this time a bit more metaphorical than our Kilimanjaro challenge (although we still trekked almost 100km). It is hard to think of another region where women are so consistently underestimated, under-represented and under-valued in sport (and everything else) than the Middle East. So the Quest became a chance to create access to football for girls maybe for the first time; to play like the boys and see themselves as equal to them for the first time; for communities to see the power and impact of sport for girls and for change maybe for the first time.”

54 55 FOOTBALL4GOOD AND PHOTOGRAPHY Jordan Quest: Equal Playing Field

“Jordan was the right choice for this project for all of the same reasons – fundamentally the potential of our impact. It is a country that is surrounded on all sides by conflict and turbulence, made up of communities in need of change and a national culture of hope, inclusivity and resilience. It is a leader in the Middle East and Asia in its commitment to supporting women’s football, but it is also still a country with a long way to go for change.”

56 57 FOOTBALL4GOOD AND PHOTOGRAPHY Jordan Quest: Equal Playing Field

“Our goal was to showcase the game we love throughout the country with exceptional female athletes from across the region. Check. To deliver camps in a range of communities to help open the door for girls and women to enjoy and benefit from sport in an unprecedented way. Check. To support the development of already brilliant female players into leaders for change in their own communities around the world. Check. To challenge cultural and physical barriers to women in sport in Jordan, the Middle East and the wider Asia region. Check. To strengthen local resilience and our global network of extraordinary women and organisations who join us in our demand for opportunity, equality and respect – nothing more, nothing less. Check. To continue to tell our collective stories and amplify our message around the world. Check.”

58 59 FOOTBALL4GOOD AND PHOTOGRAPHY Jordan Quest: Equal Playing Field

“EPF is now represented by women from more than 30 countries on six continents – all athletes, leaders, and drivers of change for the sport they live for and the communities they come from, be that the grassroots leagues in rural villages and urban neighbourhoods, or the world’s elite competing in World Cups and the Champions League, and for every level in between. Our motivation to challenge the structures and norms that limit women’s access, acceptance and value as athletes comes not only from our commitment to gender equality in sport, but also from what we know football can do for girls and women. Football grows you as a human being – confidence, teamwork, leadership, communication, discipline, work ethic, integrity, accountability, the value of merit-based advancement, what it takes to win, and how to pick yourself up when you fail. These skills you get from football are the same ones that help you excel in everyday society, the same skills to overcome the obstacles you face. And more than just improving you as an individual, it helps strengthen and unite communities.”

60 61 FOOTBALL4GOOD AND PHOTOGRAPHY Jordan Quest: Equal Playing Field

“Seeing the pitch for the first time – a rich green with netted goals surrounded by desert browns and reds. Walking out on it and knowing it will be a legacy for the community. Seeing it surrounded by boys and men who had no idea why we were there and why we got to play on it and they didn’t. Bringing in girls off the street when they came to the fence and asked to join in. Watching them ignore the rocks being thrown and focus on the game, laugh, learn, grow, challenge themselves – proudly asking if they can show their mom on the sideline their new goalie diving skills. And then to step out on that pitch not 24 hours later to thousands of community residents cheering for a women’s game... I am not sure there are words. I remain in awe of what we had achieved.”

62 63 FOOTBALL4GOOD AND PHOTOGRAPHY Jordan Quest: Equal Playing Field

“How do I feel now? Tired :) humbled, hopeful, proud and determined to keep going. What EPF is doing matters and has the potential to really change things. And that is exactly what we intend to do, one female athlete at a time.”

64 65 29-year-old Anja Huchthausen was born in Heidelberg, Germany. She studied International Business and Foreign Trade at the University of Applied Sciences in Worms, Germany, later working as a Marketing and Communications Manager for a start-up in Cologne. After spending time abroad in Argentina and Mexico, Anja became fascinated by Latin America. Though she is a self-proclaimed “marathon and triathlon addict”, it was football that took her back to the continent. In January 2017, she left her previous life behind to work for streetfootballworld network member Tiempo de Juego in Santa Marta, Colombia. Starting out as a volunteer, Anja extended her stay indefi nitely, when she took up the position of project coordinator for the organisation in May 2017. Here, she tells us her story.

AROUND THE WORLD WITH FOOTBALL C OLOMBIA

Champeta, Arepas, fútbol and sunshine 365 days FROM a year. Welcome to the Caribbean Sea, welcome to GERMANY Santa Marta – “La perla de Ameríca”, welcome to Colombia! 66TO COLOMBIA 67 AROUND THE WORLD WITH FOOTBALL From Germany to Colombia So, here I am in Santa Marta, where Tiempo Colombians always fi nd a reason to celebrate! But de Juego has been working for the past four years the most important thing: happy kids and activities in a neighbourhood with the lovely nickname that occupy their free time, because “kids with “La Lucha” (“The fi ght”). Here, the organisation too much free time do stupid stuff.” The kids are engages 150 kids through its programmes and crazy about football and dancing and shaking their aims to transform their daily lives by developing life bodies like I have never seen before. Although skills through sport, music, dance and art, achieving the kids are rough – growing up in a diffi cult peace and social harmony in the community. neighbourhood and violent families marks their The fi rst time I stepped into the world of behavior – they compensate everything with a lot of this transforming community “La Lucha”, I was love and hugs. defi nitely surprised. Suprised by the very bad conditions of the neighbourhood where some 6000 displaced people live. It is a place marked by the confl icts of the past 50 years in Colombia. I was suprised by the little dark room where classes were held; surprised by the dirt, heat, the loud I have never experienced noises everywhere around you; and suprised by the amount of kids running towards you, hugging you like they have known you all of their lives and a job that makes as much smiling like they have no worries at all. And me? Speechless and totally in love with them! I already realised at the beginning that you sense as this one. need some special personal skills if you want to do voluntary work with kids in this area: you have to show initiative, be 10000% able to improvise and be fl exible, spontaneous, very patient, be able to solve confl icts peacefully, be resistant to heat, noise and After three months I decided to stay. I have dirt and to have good Spanish skills to understand never experienced a job that makes as much sense the kids talking to you in “Costeñol”, the slang as this one. I feel very lucky and thankful to gain Here I am, having quit my job in Germany, ditched “There’s always something you can do. Do spoken along the Caribbean coast of Colombia. all these experiences, and I have come to value my computer and donned sports shoes, packed up what you do best!” I had some skype calls with the “Do what you can do best,” I was told. So I my life and the conditions in which I grew up even my apartment and reduced my belongings to the coordinator of Tiempo de Juego in Santa Marta, did. The organisation gave me a lot of space to more. I really couldn’t separate myself from these contents of a backpack. My goal: to get to know the who introduced me to the organisation, explained develop activities with the 5- to 18-year-old kids wonderful kids with so many talents and I couldn’t world a bit better. On your marks, get set, go! what they are doing and where help is needed. and youth. Twice a week, I gave sports lesson at the believe my luck when I got a job offer as “Project Over the past years, I already travelled a lot Two months later, I ended up in the second- small multi-court in the heart of the neighbourhood Coordinator” at Tiempo de Juego. Ever since, I’ve throughout Latin America so, this time, I looked oldest city in Latin America to do a three-month “La Lucha”. I taught English once a week, gave been living in Santa Marta and working every day for a new experience aside from the typical volunteer placement. To be perfectly honest, I handicraft workshops, painted a classroom with to help make the lives of the kids a bit better and “backpacker” tourist route on this – to me – didn’t have a clear idea what I would be doing at other volunteers and helped the organisation give them new opportunities. It is a life full of beloved continent. I thought I would get a different the organisation and had actually never worked with all upcoming events: International Women’s football, sport, dance, music and other activities picture of a country by working as a volunteer. I with kids before. But, as a passionate sportsperson, Day, International Children’s Day, Afro-Colombian which transforms the kids’ lives in a positive way would be closer to the local people and gain a local I loved their mission to change kids’ lives in a Day, Neighbourhood Day, football games – the and creates a peaceful environment. experience. As luck would have it, a friend of mine positive way through sport, my Spanish was fl uent recommended the organisation “Fundación Tiempo and I was curious about life on the Caribbean coast. de Juego”. He knew the organisation because the The non-profi t organisation “Fundación company he works for is one of its sponsors and Tiempo de Juego” was established twelve years ago he had already visited the project in Bogotá for in the capital of Colombia, Bogotá. The initial idea two weeks. He completely fell in love with it. Later I was to set up a football school in the neighbourhood would understand why. Altos de Cazuca, where you can fi nd the highest rate of internally displaced people in the country. Violence, drugs, murder: all are part of the daily agenda. With their programme “Fúbol por la paz” the Tiempo de Juego team wanted to improve the situation for the kids living in this neighbourhood “There’s always and create a more peaceful environment through sport. Nowadays, the organisation promotes values and life skills through the programme “Compartir something you can do. Jugando”, using the free time of more than 1500 kids in a positive way by offering numerous activities in three cities in Colombia: Bogotá, Soacha, Timbiqui Do what you do best!” and Santa Marta. INSPIRED BY THIS STORY? TIEMPO DE JUEGO IS ALWAYS LOOKING FOR MOTIVATED VOLUNTEERS! 68 69 LEARN MORE www.streetfootballworld.org

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