.png)
A national schools tournament to provide access to football in a (semi-)professional environment, based on fair play and diversity, reaching more than 800 boys and girls aged 11-12 years old
MAIN PARTNER AND SPONSOR
For 3 years in a row, Play for Change in collaboration with Pro League - the top league competition for association football clubs in Belgium - organised a school tournament providing more than 800 children aged 11-12 years old with the experience of playing in a professional football stadium in their favourite team’s kit, whilst promoting social inclusion and fair play through football.
Each year 20 participating schools were selected through a local mini-tournament to represent a Pro-League Club.
​
In the second and third years 2 refugee teams selected from refugee centres across Belgium in collaboration with Fedasil (Federal Agency for the Reception of Asylum Seekers) were also involved to enjoy the day of youth soccer.
The teams were mixed with at least three girls per team and a Fair Play cup was awarded to the team that demonstrated positive sporting efforts.
​
While the rules where to have at least 3 girls per team, many of the teams had more an In the last year's tournament a couple of teams had 7 girls participating and on average for that year 30% of the beneficiaries where girls.
The tournament provided an inclusive and safe environment where the children could enjoy playing together, regardless of their background, and benefit from the educational aspect of sport.
Students also received visits from professional players and club representatives to support them during the matches.
​
In addition to the tournament, the participating schools delivered social impact projects, including children creating insightful anti-racism films, raising awareness of the struggles of child asylum seekers, and volunteering in soup kitchens.
Context
Sport is seen as a tool to address social inclusion between race, gender, class and a way to encourage fairness and fair play within children.