OAKGROVE INTEGRATED COLLEGE

PEACE PITCH TWINNING EVENT PRESS RELEASE

CLICK HERE

FOOTBALL MAKES OUR SHARED HISTORY AT

WINDSOR PARK STADIUM

FOOTBALL MAKES OUR SHARED HISTORY

RESEARCH AT ULSTER MUSEUM

ACTIVITIES PROVIDED INSPIRATION TO LEARN TOGETHER AND SHARE WITH OUR FAMILIES IN OUR COMMUNITIES

During the FMOSH project the students have learned how heritage across different cultures and backgrounds have participated in Sport. The students have had first-hand experience of trying different sports from around the world and in the process have seen how sport brings our communities from different backgrounds and abilities together.  

The students here at Oakgrove Integrated College have thrived in their learning through the various activities and games that the FMOSH has presented them. Students have loved getting to experience different games that are completely out of their comfort zone. Students have seen the benefits of a shared heritage through sport and seen how this engages people of all ability.  

The project has taught students that the history of sport is for all regardless of your culture and background. Students here have seen the benefits in FMOSH to not only help stay active but to bring communities and families together to unite through games and sport. The students have relished the opportunities to bring together their families and communities to play against one another for a unified goal and to twin our Peace Pitch with Flanders Peace Field. Overall, the project has been a humbling experience for the students showing that regardless of your age, background, ethnicity or ability; sport is for all. 

Oakgrove Integrated College is a post primary school which is located on the banks of the river Foyle. Oakgrove is host to students from diverse backgrounds from across the city. Oakgrove provides an all ability education which ensures students from different religious, academic and social backgrounds can learn in a diverse school setting.

Chris Porter, Oakgrove Integrated College’s FMOSH Project Manager, said, ‘The school are looking forward to engaging in this exciting project that will give students the opportunity to play learn and grow together using games, webinars, and seminars. The project links with our schools mission statement and our integrated status. With our integrated status being one of our standout features we believe it is vital to take on opportunities such as FMOSH to promote a shared learning. Currently at the school we engage in all curricular sports including Soccer, Gaelic, Rugby, Swimming, Athletics, Gymnastic and Dance.’

‘There is a rich living history here in Derry-Londonderry which our students will research and present a strong argument for celebrating the United Nation’s Annual International Day of Peace. Our shared heritage will champion the young and old in all communities.’

DUNCAN EDWARDS PEACE FIELD

Jude evokes spirit of Duncan Edwards

Jude evokes spirit of Duncan Edwards in dazzling England display. Following his man of the match performance for England in their emphatic 6-2 victory over Iran at the World Cup Finals in Qatar on Monday, 19-year-old Jude Bellingham is putting the football spotlight firmly back on the Black Country for the first time in more than 60 years by reviving memories of the great Duncan Edwards.
Black Country boys Bellingham and Edwards made their full international debuts for England at Wembley in their teens 65 years apart.

Edwards was 18 when he scored for England in a 7-2 win over Scotland in 1955 and Bellingham was a year younger at 17 when he scored for England as they ran out 3-0 winners against Northern Ireland at Wembley in November 2020.

Both players served their football apprenticeships in the Black Country with Duncan playing for Dudley Boys and Worcestershire Boys while Jude spent his early years playing for Stourbridge. Their football careers then followed identical routes as they were each selected to play for England at every level from schoolboy to full international.

Edwards signed for Manchester United in 1952 and was regarded as one of the greatest footballers in the world before his death following the Munich air disaster in February 1958.

Bellingham joined Birmingham City at under-eights level after leaving Stourbridge and played in the under-23 team at the age of 15. He made his first team debut against Portsmouth in August 2019, becoming City’s youngest ever first-team player, and made 41 first team appearances before signing for Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga in July 2020. To date, he has scored 19 goals and become one of the most talked about talents in world football.

Jim Cadman, chairman of Duncan Edwards United, said: “We would like to thank Jude for supporting the Duncan Edwards Peace Field at the Dell Stadium in Dudley by donating a signed Borussia Dortmund shirt for our fundraising.

“This ongoing project involves football pitches all over the world being twinned with the site of the iconic 1914 Christmas Truce football match in Belgium in World War One.”

The shirt signed by Bellingham will be auctioned along with the original artwork of the ‘Black County Boys – White England Shirt Portrait’ by Black Country-based graphic artist Paul Burns at the Duncan Edwards 65th Anniversary Memorial Dinner at the Copthorne Hotel, Dudley, on Tuesday, February 21 2023.

FURTHER INFO – Jim Cadman – M 07971 624627 Email jwc@duncanedwardsunited.com

WEBSITE – www.duncanedwardsunited.com

FOOTBALL LEGENDS SET TO SIGN FOR DUNCAN

At the Memories and Memorabilia Football Fair

Football Legends will be out in force at the Memories and Memorabilia Football Fair at the Copthorne Hotel in Dudley on Sunday, November 13^th – signing autographs and posing for photographs for visitors with full size replicas of the trophies that they won – the FA Cup and the European Champions Cup.

The Legends include Aston Villa’s First Division Champions and 1982 European Cup Winners, Captain Dennis Mortimer, Tony Morley and Colin Gibson – who also played for Manchester United

Dave Bennett – who was the first black player to appear at Wembley in an FA Cup Final for Manchester City in 1981 and returned to Wembley with Coventry City in 1987 to win an FA Cup Winners Medal  as they beat Spurs 3 -2.

Jim McCalliog – (Scotland International)a member of the Wolves team in the Final of the UEFA Cup in 1972 in the Manchester United Squad that won the Second Division Championship in 1975 winner of an FA Cup Winners Medal in 1976 with Southampton.

Bob Taylor –One of West Bromwich Albion’s greatest ever strikers – ‘Super Bob’ scored 113 goals in 324 appearances for the Baggies in two at the Hawthorns between 1992 and 2003

Roy of the Rovers – will be at the Fair in ‘Comic Strip’ form to celebrate his 65^th Anniversary with his with his creator – the international sports artist – Paul Trevillion.

Jim Cadman, chairman of Duncan Edwards United said:

“We are honoured that these players are being linked with our project, which involves football pitches all over the world being twinned with the iconic 1914 Christmas Truce football match on Flanders Field in Belgium in World War One.”

Running from 10am to 4pm, the event will showcase an extensive range of vintage football memorabilia presented by some of the country’s top dealers and collectors.

Admission for Adults is £10 with children under 16 FREE and includes free autographs and photographs with guest players who will pose with visitors holding full size replicas of the FA Cup, the European Cup and the World Cup trophy.

ALL PROFITS FROM THIS EVENT WILL GO TO THE DUNCAN EDWARDS PEACE FIELD PROJECT

20/06/22

All of the great teams want to play on the Duncan Edwards Peace Field Pitch.

Following the appearance of the Sir Tom Finney Preston Soccer Centre Team in the Semi Finals of the Duncan Edwards Peace Field Festival – the Italian National Team trained on the pitch before their International Match against England at Molineux

Duncan Edwards Peace Field Festival on Sunday 22 May 2022

The Aston Villa legend holding a picture of Dudley’s son and Manchester United Legend.  Denis Mortimer (left) holding the Duncan Edwards Peace Field poster.  The first ever Duncan Edwards Peace Field Festival was the venue where Jim Cadman, Duncan Edwards Tribute (right) passed the Peace Poppy Ball to Pete Mason representing the Sir Tom Finney Peace Field Project.

‘The Children’s Football Alliance are very proud to have such formidable football legends Duncan Edwards and Sir Tom Finney joining the International Peace Fields Project.  Their legacy continues to inspire their communities through the essence of the game so clearly defined at the 1914 First World War Christmas truces’. Mick Gale, International Children’s Football Alliance, Peace Field Project Ambassador

PRESS RELEASE 

PROGRAMME

05/05/22

26/04/22.

Denis Law Legacy Trust have very kindly sent some shirts for the team that will be representing the Trust at the Duncan Edwards Peace Games Sunday 22nd May, 2022.  The games are set to add to the legacy of the legendary footballers.

04/04/22. By Jim Cadman.

Our first get together at the Duncan Edwards Peace Field Site was a great success and it was good  to see how many young people attended the photo shoot in their football kit.

We are very proud to be working with The Stourbridge District Youth League, who have 6,550 registered players at 99 clubs with 550 boys’ teams and 70 girls’ teams.

The Duncan Peace Field Pitch will be available to teams and groups of mixed gender and diversity that represent communities across all demographics in Dudley, Stourbridge, Worcester, Kinver, Wolverhampton, Walsall, Gornal, Halesowen, Sedgley, Netherton.

We have had a wonderful response to the Duncan Edwards Peace Field Site  – and in these troubled times it is an honour to be actively involved in a football project that celebrates the ethos of peace through play.

DUCAN EDWARDS PEACE FIELD

A Duncan Edwards Peace Field Plaque was unveiled at the Dell Stadium in Brierley Hill, Dudley on Thursday, 11 November 2021.  The site is now twinned with Flanders Peace Field in Mesen, Belgium, site of the First World War, 1914 Christmas truces.

In the week leading up to Christmas 1914, German, British and allied soldiers stopped fighting to sing festive songs. On Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, some ventured into no man’s land to exchange gifts and to play games of football. Today the truce is remembered as a symbolic moment of peace and humanity.

The Black Country’s most famous footballing son, Duncan Edwards uncle Private Sidney Edwards,, served in the 9^th Worcester Battalion during World War One and was killed in 1917 in Kut al-Amara, Mesopotamia, now part of Iraq. He is remembered on the Dudley World War One Memorial.

As part of an initiative by the National Children’s Football Alliance, there are 41 peace pitches across five continents in countries including the USA, Argentina, Ghana, Israel and Australia.

The football pitch at the Bryce Road site was officially declared the Duncan Edwards Peace Field as civic dignitaries, former team mates of Duncan, and ex Aston Villa European Cup Winner Tony Morley were in attendance.

Councillor Steve Clark, said, ‘ The Duncan Edwards Peace Field is a wonderful initiative and sobering reminder to us all of the sacrifaces made for our freedom, as well as a tribute to Dudley’s most famous footballing son’.

Jim Cadman, of the Duncan Edwards Tribute, said, ‘The positive response to our plans for the Duncan Edwards Peace Field Project has been remarkable’. ‘It will now provide a strong platform to promote the football heritage of Duncan Edwards – and link his birth place of Dudley with some of the greatest cities of the world.’

Paul Cooper, Director, National Children’s Football Alliance, said, ‘It is a great honour to be here today.  Duncan Edwards legacy is here for young people to learn about the power of football and how it brings us all togeth

Sport continues to unite people today on the Cruyff Court Denis Law just as it did on Christmas day in 1914 on Flanders Peace Field. Aberdeen is home to one of Scotland’s greatest ever footballers, Denis Law, as well as the Gordon Highlanders, some of whom took part in the Christmas day truces. It is therefore appropriate that these two play areas twin with each other for the next generation to reflect and learn about why we commemorate wars and celebrate peace, on Scotland’s first ever peace pitch.   The opportunity to bring different age groups and cultures closer together, through peace games, tournaments and festivals, will be the continued purpose of Aberdeen’s Peace Pitch.

The event started with games of football, hockey and tennis.  A local resident commented, ‘it’s wonderful to see the court used so often.  It is very popular and its alway lovely to hear the kids play.  I live in the high raised flats overlooking the pitch.  It’s great to have Aberdeen’s Denis Law here today.  He truly is Mr Aberdeen.  Thank you for our Peace Pitch, Denis.

The ceremony, which Denis Law CBE himself attended, included speeches from each partner, the Gordon Highlander pipers and a formal blessing of the Cruyff Court from Callum Shinnie from Kings Community Church. Jim Clark, chairman, from the Legion Scotland Aberdeen Branch.

22 pupils, two from each academy school in Aberdeen, then presented the poem “In Flanders Field” on the Cruyff Court before a Peace Pledge, which they contributed towards, was officially signed to create a lasting and impactful legacy.

Aberdeen City Council Leader, Councillor Jenny Laing said: “Aberdeen City Council is very pleased to be working in partnership with the Denis Law Legacy Trust, National Children’s Football Alliance and the Peace Fields Project to offer our young people the chance to be part of such an inspiring initiative.

“While there is often great rivalry in sport, history has taught us that sport is a great way to bridge the divides and bring people together.

“By participation in the Peace Fields Project and drawing up their Peace Pledge young people from schools across the city have come together to speak with one voice. Through the Pledge they have highlighted the importance of having safe and welcoming spaces where young people from different communities and backgrounds can come together and enjoy physical activity in a peaceful way.

“The council intends to use this project as a catalyst to ensure other areas of the city are just as inclusive, safe and peaceful.”

Erne Brennan, CEO, National Children’s Football Alliance, said, ‘The first peace pitch in Scotland is testament to the Denis Law Legacy Trust and Aberdeen City Council, for having the foresight and vision to help connect young people through play, with commemorating war and celebrating peace.

Mark Williams, Chief Operating officer, Denis Law Legacy Trust, said: “The force for good that sport can bring to young people around the globe is well versed and we’re delighted to be forming a partnership with NCF and the Peace Fields Project to further enhance this.

“The twinning of Cruyff Court Denis Law and the Flanders Peace Field will help to educate school children across Aberdeen and lead to exchange trips between the two sites. Thanks to all of our partners involved and also to Catherine Street Community Centre and Aramark for their valuable contributions.”

‘The twinning ceremony was fantastic’, said Alistar Findlater, Trustee, Denis Law Legach Trust.  ‘On behalf of the DLLT, it was truly a great honour to sign the Peace Field Project’s Declaration for Peace.  I have visited the Menin Gate, Ypres, Belgium and I take the role as a Peace Field Ambassador with a great sense of pride.  The historic connections between Aberdeen and The First World War are well documented.  Our generation are in a position to keep commemorations alive – ‘We will remember them.’  It was wonderful to see many young people and such diversity, young and old, present at the ceremony.  The Gordon Highlanders added too some great speeches and to the children who read out their Peace Pledge (see bottom of page).  Along with the children reciting the John McCrae’s poem, In Flanders Field (see bottom of page).  The presence of the British Legion was emotional for many that witnessed the Last Post.’

Author of ‘A DENIS LAW SCRAPBOOK‘ and long-time friend Douglas Graham, said, ‘it was a wonderful ceremony and clearly enjoyed by everyone that attended.  The first peace pitch in Scotland is a legacy to the great man Denis Law for which generations of young people can celebrate peace through play’.

THE PEACE PLEDGE

Written by Children & Young People of Aberdeen

People fallen assured our peace, to keep their legacy alive on our streets,

Here we rise for the future of Aberdeen, building a city that is thriving and green.

Embracing each other no matter who we are, building friendships from near and far,

Regardless of our difference, we share this together, building hope for now and forever

Affirmed in our hearts are the tales of the brave, giving us hope for the future we pave,

the brave that brought freedom and fighting to cease, we are the brave that can now bring us peace

Community gardens will join us together, providing safe places to challenge each other

To challenge ourselves through physical fun, places where we can finally be one

Establishing equilibrium to balance the world, between carbon intake and emissions unfurled,

Using and protecting our green nation, building a safe environment for future generations

Persevering stoically through the fields, you wrapped us in protection like a shield,

We thank you for your sacrifice and our future you revealed, linking past and present, helping us to heal

Let’s light up the fields so we’re safe as we go, light up the fields to make poppies grow,

Light up the fields to lead the way, to give the younger generation the freedom to play

Enriching our lives with space for me and you, not forgetting the past but pushing on through,

Outdoors will help our peace of mind, to meet without prejudice and strive to be kind

Deliver community trust for us all, providing support which impacts us all,

Upgrading and caring for outdoor spaces together, places to be in, no matter the weather

Grow fields of peace and let them remain green, making the most of our City Aberdeen,

Building communities where people can give, making the most of the place where we live

Every child deserves a space to be free, to interact with others, a place for you and me

Through interests and sports help this pledge come alive, help us to grow and help us to thrive!

In Flanders Fields

By John McCrae

In Flanders fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses, row on row

That mark our place; and in the sky

The larks, still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,

Loved and were loved, and now we lie,

In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:

To you from failing hands we throw

The torch; be yours to hold it high.

If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

In Flanders fields.

For more information about A Denis Law Scrapbook email: djcagraham@gmail.com 

Green Fields School was founded on 16th August 1967, by the Great Visionary and Educationist Sh. R.C Khanna.

The vision, mission and the able leadership of Chairman Sir took the school to great heights. He strongly believed that education is the basis of all progress in society.

The Present Green Campus, Academic and Sports facilities bear testimony to his selfless service and dedication. The values established by him will be taken forward and imparted to the young generations of today.

Wheeling Happiness are one of the key partners driving the First Ever Peace Field Project in New Delhi. Learning is finding out what you already know. Doing is demonstrating that you know it
Teaching is reminding others that they know just as well as you do.

Their mission is to create an inclusive & barrier-free society and empower people with disabilities, women and economically under-served communities.

The Wheeling Happiness Foundation is the proverbial first step of a thousand-mile journey. A beginning that promises a million new beginnings for those who feel they have reached a dead-end in their lives due to some disability. A brain-child of Co-Founders Dr.(h.c.) Deepa Malik and Devika Malik.

The NEW DELHI Peace Field Project (PFP) received a boost today when Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club from the English Premier League donated kits to the kids that will be taking part in the PFP Delhi event. The kits were donated through our one of our sponsors Starlizard Integrity Services. These kids are participants of  Swayam Foundation event of Jan 2020  which was a sports event with Football and Athletics.

Dr Geeta Arora, PFP, Project Manager, Trustee – Swayam Foundation, Founder – Heal with Homeopathy shared , “The kids were elated today to receive the kits. They are from underprivileged background and were delighted to feel special in their new football attire. The first soccer event was quickly followed by them asking us “when will you hold the next event as we practice every day.”

Prithvi Jagan, PFP Manager, and football coach said, ‘This is wonderful news for the children.  Soccer is very popular in New Delhi with more and more mixed ability boys and girls playing wherever they can find an area to play’.

Green Fields School was founded on 16th August 1967, by the Great Visionary and Educationist Sh. R.C Khanna.

The vision, mission and the able leadership of Chairman Sir took the school to great heights. He strongly believed that education is the basis of all progress in society.

The Present Green Campus, Academic and Sports facilities bear testimony to his selfless service and dedication. The values established by him will be taken forward and imparted to the young generations of today.

The Hollandia Soccer Club is the first club in Saskatchewan Province, Canada to participate in the Peace Field initiative.  The Peace Fields Project ceremony took place Sunday 26th September, 2021.  Hollandia Soccer Club’s close relationship with the The Saskatoon Soccer Centre and Saskatoon Youth Soccer, recognises the important connection that twins their peace pitch with Flanders Peace Field, Mesen, Belgium; site of the 1914 First World War Christmas Truces.

Royal Canadian Legion 63 Pipes & Drums

lL

Left to right: Austion Boryski, Hollandia Head Coach, Jodi Blackwell, CEO Saskatoon Soccer Centre, dalkdjf, Mick Gale, NCFA International Peace Fields Project Ambassador, Emil Highway, Bart Voswinkel, President of Hollandia, Mark Millard, President of Saskatoon Youth Soccer, Steven Ross, Percy Hoff, Hollandia Technical Director, Trevor Percy, Vice President of Hollandia, Alicia Osses, Secretary of Hollandia 

Left to right: Emil Highway, Mick Gale, Steven Ross

 

Mick Gale, NCFA’S International Peace Fields Project Ambassador (Left) and Bart Voswinkel, Hollandia Soccer Club, President (right), sign the Declaration for Peace certificates which advocate peace through play, equality and friendship.  A copy of the Declaration will be held by the Peace Village, Mesen, where a duplicate Hollandia Soccer Club Peace Plaque will be displayed, over-looking the Peace Pitch Flanders Peace Field.

Continue reading →

UPDATED: 09 11 21

Wednesday, 22nd September, Kowloon Cricket Club, Hong Kong, host a Junior Intra KCC tournament between hockey, football and cricket. 7 aside games, with 6 squads of 10 each participating. This will take place be in the morning from 8:30am – 12pm. Special edition Peace Field Project shirts have been made to celebrate the FIRST CRICKET PEACE PITCH IN THE WORLD and the first ever Peace Pitch in Hong Kong; twinning Kowloon’s peace pitch with Flanders Peace Field, Mesen, Belgium, site of the 1914 First World War Christmas Truces.

Directly after, the Club will have a women’s Cricket Open day, for all women to enjoy irrespective of level / ability. This will be from 12:30pm – 2:00pm.

From 2:30pm – 5:30pm we will be hosting a Women’s Invitational T20 Cricket match. The idea will be for everyone who has participated in the day to stay for the duration. Additionally, the club have partnered with FairBreak, a global organsiation focusing on improving women in sport, who are hosting an ICC International tournament in May 2022 at KCC. They have provided some memorabilia for the event.

There will be stalls and games around the ground for anyone to come down and a charity will be coming with a few children to participate. 

THE FIRST EVER PEACE PITCH IN CROATIA

16/09/2021

Remembering Ivan Šorić and celebrating peace through play.

UPDATE 04.08.21

Veli Vrh Pula Elementary School has submitted a project to the Peace Field Projects. It is a project that allows children and the local community to learn more about their history and heritage by participating in a comprehensive program of activities that culminates in an event where the school playground becomes a “Peace Pitch”. The project is linked to events related to the Christmas Truce that occurred at Christmas time in 1914 during World War I when German and British Allied soldiers on the Western battlefield briefly ended the conflict to meet on “no man’s land”.

The focus of this project is on the fate of Istrian teachers who were recruited during World War I and sent to the battlefield, mainly to Galicia. Many were killed. Among them was Ivan Šorić as well, a teacher at Veli Vrh Pula Elementary School, who died on the Eastern battlefield in October 1914.

He often remembered Istria, his home region on the battlefield. Furthermore, he left all his possessions to Istria and the Society of St. Cyril and Methodius: He lived for Istria, he was a teacher of children at the public school and before his death he remembered Istria, he remembered the society of  St. Cyril and Methodius to which he passed down his possessions after his mother’s death. In the letter, he says goodbye to his friends with these words: Be healthy and happy for me, and do not forget our miserable and poor Istria.

The project will aim at using football to raise our students’ sense of connection with their heritage through interdisciplinary learning and various workshops.

On September 16, 2021, we would celebrate the beginning of modern education in the Croatian language in Veli Vrh.

This can be seen in the 39th issue of Naša sloga from September 25, 1913, where September, 16 of the same year is mentioned as the opening date of a new public school in Veli Vrh. In front of this same school we would pay tribute to our late teacher Ivan Šorić.

After the commemorative part, a football match would be played between the Veli Vrh Pula Elementary School and the guests.

UPDATE 19.03.21

FOOTBALL PEOPLES WEEK 2020

THE FIRST EVER PEACE PITCH IN CROATIA is proposed to take place in 2020. Elementary school Veli Veli Vrh Pula is located in the town of the same name, Pula. The first school in the area began working in 1913 and records its work through several states. The school has been on several different locations until 2010, since when it’s on the current location. As a modern architectural work, the school was awarded with the World Golden Cube Award, which is the award for the most beautiful school building in 2010.

The school attend 600 students. The school complex also includes a kitchen, a dining room and a library. It has 12 classrooms for primary school students (6 to 10 years old) , while 16 classrooms are for upper grade elementary school students (11 to 15 years old) where professors have their own offices. The three-part sports gym has 500 seats, handball, volleyball, basketball and a  badminton court as well as equipment for table tennis. The outdoor playground is for handball and basketball, and the stands can accommodate over 1000 people.

Veli Vrh Football Club was founded in 1975 in the suburb  of the same name, in the town of Pula. It is currently competing in the First County League (the fifth grade of Croatian football). The club is known for its working with younger children and the activities of the club are reflected in the following categories: U7, U9, U11, Younger Pioneers, Pioneers, Cadets, Juniors, Seniors and Veterans. In the mentioned selections, 12 trained coaches work with more than 250 registered,  active footballers.

Through the organized activities Veli Vrh Football Club engage the residents of Veli Vrh and the citizens of Pula into doing sports. The club plays its matches at SRC Tivoli which has a standard football field and two more small football fields.

The school has its own web page. http://os-veli-vrh-pu.skole.hr/

The football club has its own web page and a facebook profile.

https://hr-hr.facebook.com/velivrhpula/

Klub

21^st SEPTEMBER

Strip away professional football’s: governing bodies, brands, corporations, media and the money, what are you left with?

A game of football!

If we were lucky? We will remember playing a game of football without lines, adults, referees, linesmen / women and the fear of win at all costs.  All we had to fear was being on time for dinner when our parents called us in after playtime.

The essence of football can be found in childhood memories: making friends, scoring your first ever goal, great saves and not forgetting, the feel-good factor.

It can be argued that the essence of football was briefly rediscovered in a space time and place, in the First World War.  The Space, No Man’s Land, the time 24^th December 1914 and the place, Flanders Field, Mesen, Belgium.  In an act of insubordination, Allied and German soldiers fraternized during a truce where they exchanged gifts and played games of football.  A truce in the First World War was an opportunity to collect the dead from no mans’ land.  Amongst the blood, mud and poetry*, this extraordinary act remains timeless when people of all ages, faiths and cultures visit and pay homage, at the site of the 1914 Christmas Truces.

Wyvern School from Kent, England, at the UEFA memorial to the Christmas Truces.

It is the Christmas Truces that connect the United Nation’s International Day of Peace with The National Children’s Football Alliance’s Global Peace Games (GPGs) facilitated at the Peace Village, Messines, Belgium, site of the 1914 Christmas Truces.

Through public funding, young mixed ability and mixed gender people, come together from diverse communities to participate through playing games of football, in a week long peace education programme: refugees, migrants, immigrants, public, private, state, special needs, and referral children, all experience the power of football.

The GPGs creates peace makers for the future.  How?  The Ambassadors for Peace explore the value of playing football in its many different forms in a location where tens of thousands of men and women died in conflict (First World War 16 million war dead – 9 million battle dead*).

Christmas Truces 1914

Young people connect with the environment and contextualise their own life experiences with that of the mothers, fathers, sons and daughters, from over 100 years ago.

Many of the children come from war torn countries, poverty stricken areas, communities of high deprivation, gangland neighbourhoods and many of the children come from: more affluent, inner cities and rural communities.  The key to the GPGs is social inclusion and not social selection.

Participants speak different languages; however, it is the universal language football that breaks down barriers and builds life long friendships.

The game is the teacher and the historical location is the learning environment.  A blend that connects, humanitarianism, creativity, confidence and fun.

Football breaks down barriers.  It is not a cliché. The essence of the game is best observed in primary school children when loosely supervised.  All children have abilities.  There is no child with no ability to participate in a children’s game of football.  Children will work out amongst themselves how to contribute in a game of football.  If it is not a level playing field in terms of equality – children will find a way to work it out.  The GPGs refers to this methodology and trusts the game of football to be the learning tool.

2019 Global Peace Games. 80 participants from 16 countries

Reminiscent of children’s playground football (jumpers for goal posts) loosely supervised games provide an opportunity for young people to reclaim their game.  A metaphoric act of subordination if you like?  No association rules, no brands, no great expectations and most importantly, no win at all costs.  It is important to add, that the games are no-less competitive, however, they are noticeably creative, inventive and explorative, just like the football games were at primary school age.

Many young people have the ability to contextualise their experiences from home with those young men and women of over 100 years ago.  Some young people can connect to conflict at home, in school or in their communities with the humanitarian act witness at the 1914 Christmas Truces.   They empathise with the soldiers’ fraternization, exchanging gifts and playing games of football.  It is the game of football that connects childhood with adulthood.  It is the game that metaphorically levels playing field.

In a state of war soldiers reverted back to childhood to momentarily escape the horror of war by playing a game of football.  This act chimes with many of the GPGs participants.  They recognise / empathize that in extreme times many people will revert back to happier times to help forget fear, which is summed up by a 2019 GPGs participant in the following quote by Pankaj, India:

‘When I feel sad, frightened and emotional, I play football to help me forget’.

Pankaj, India

Let us not forget the essence of football for fun.  The GPGs lends itself to the greatest team game on the planet.  What better way to celebrate International Day of Peace than play a game of football for fun?  The social inclusion factor has been well documented over the years in GPGs case studies

Football connects communities, families, schools, countries and continents; it’s a global game that brings peace in a world that craves it.

International Day of Peace, lends itself to football at the GPGs.  The game illustrates that languages may have changed, politics has changed and indeed to a degree, history has changed – however, what is clear is that the game of football remains as important in communities around the world now as it was over 100 years ago; in particular as a force for good in times of global concern.

Further viewing:

• Silent Night https://youtu.be/WUlPNWDvk-c

Further information about how the National Children’s Football Alliance projects:

http://www.childrensfootballalliance.com/

http://www.childrensfootballalliance.com/football-and-peace/

Index:

Blood, mud and poetry*, page 1:  http://heritageetal.blogspot.com/2017/07/john-lee-on-war-poetry-when-mud-and.html 

First World War 16 million war dead* page 2: https://www.britannica.com/event/World-War-I/Killed-wounded-and-missing

Name; Rob Illingworth

Job title; Service Development Librarian, Local History- KCC Libraries, Registration & Archives.

(from 01/06/15: Community Heritage Services Officer- KCC Libraries, Registration & Archives.)

A brief explanation of your partner role and how Kent Libraries, Registration & Archives will support the Peace Fields Project?

If you explore the extensive local history collections of Kent Libraries, Registration & Archives you will find evidence of how the First World War touched and continues to touch all Kent communities. For the Peacefields project, we would especially like to help the project participants explore selected primary sources to find evidence of the impact of the war on Kent school communities. We will visit 5 project-hub schools to help with this work.

Why do you feel the PFP is important to young people and Kent Libraries, Registration & Archives?

The Peace Fields Project gives an opportunity for our staff, library volunteers & project participants to explore & highlight our First World War history resources & to link them with a dynamic programme of commemoration. In Kent, we have examples of post-war local commemorative schemes encompassing memorial sports fields, school sports pavilions and charity sports competitions etc. So it is imaginative & poignant that the young people involved in the Peacefields Project will renew the links between First World War commemoration & active sport. This will be powerfully symbolised through dedicating their own 21st century Peace Fields & through twinning these with the Flanders Peace Field.

Contact: Robert.Illingworth@kent.gov.uk

Name; Roz Meredith

Job title; Learning Officer, Maidstone Museum and Bentlif Art Gallery

A brief explanation of your partner role and how Maidstone Museum will support the Peace Fields Project?

We have a vast range of artefacts and resources at the Museum and are fortunate enough to have a collection of First World War objects that we are able to use with children and students. We are excited about being involved in the Peacefields project to support students in their understanding and empathy of this major time in recent history. We will host the 5 hub schools at the museum over 5 half days, so they can take part in a workshop run by an educational re-enactment group – “They Shall Grow Not Old …” (www.theyshallgrownotold.org.uk) focusing on the lives of soldiers during the First World War. This will include the use of and handling of real artifacts from the time.

Why do you feel the PFP is important to young people and Maidstone Museum?

The Peacefields Project is an opportunity for the Learning Team to be involved in a worthwhile project linking the resources we have available with a key commemorative event in Kent. The project gives opportunities to young people to explore and experience key moments of the First World War through the use of stories, artefacts and sport. Those involved in the Peacefields project will have the opportunity to connect with the past through the medium of sport linked to historical artefacts. The opportunity given to students is a positive reinforcement of events in our history that should not be forgotten.

Contact: Rosalindmeredith@maidstone.gov.uk

Name; Dr Emma Hanna

Job title; Co-Investigator, Gateways to the First World War

Gateways to the First World War is one of five Centres for Public Engagement with the Centenary of the First World War. Funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council, and based at the University of Kent, Gateways comprises a team of historians who specialise in the history of 1914-1918. The main objective of Gateways is to engage the public with the history of the First World War through various events such as study days and conferences, public lectures and workshops, and supporting organisations who are running activities or research projects related to the First World War.

Gateways is very happy to be involved with the National Children’s Football Alliance (NCFA) as a project partner in the Peace Fields Project. Our role will be to organise a study session at the University of Kent on both the war more generally and sport 1914-1918, incorporating a lecture by one of our specialist historians and a workshop on historical sources specifically tailored to the project foci of the schools attending the event.

Gateways is delighted to assist the NCFA in its role within the Peace Fields project as we believe that it has the potential to enhance knowledge of the reality of the conflict greatly and encourage young people to consider closely their own role as citizens.

For more information please see our website: www.gatewaysfww.org.uk

Contact: E.L.Hannah@greenwich.ac.uk

Name: Ruth Cavender

Job title: Learning Officer, War Memorials Trust

A brief explanation of your partner role and how the War Memorials Trust will support the Peace Fields Project?

War Memorials Trust (WMT) is the national charity that works for the protection and conservation of war memorials in the UK.  It provides advisory and advocacy services, financial assistance for repair and conservation through grant schemes and is a key referral point for all issues regarding war memorials.

WMT also aims to educate young people, the next generation of war memorial custodians, about the history and significance of war memorials through its Learning Programme which provides teaching materials for schools, project ideas for youth groups and clubs and offers visits to schools and youth groups to allow young people to participate in talks and lessons about key war memorial related issues. WMT supports the Peace Fields Project’s efforts to engage young people with remembrance, commemoration and the values to teamwork and comradeship. WMT will work collaboratively with the project to promote this.

Why you feel the PFP is important to young people and WMT?

As the First World War moves beyond living memory education, commemorative events and projects like the Peace Fields Project are vital in ensuring the events of the war continue to be learned about and remembered and, in turn, that our war heritage is protected.

In particular WMT recognises that it is crucial that young people, tomorrow’s war memorial custodians, understand the importance of our war memorial heritage and develop a wider knowledge of the reasons for remembrance. The Peace Fields Project is a wonderful opportunity to deepen understanding of the events around the 1914 Christmas Truces and in doing contribute to a legacy of remembrance. By using sport as a starting point for learning the Peace Fields Project has potential to engage many young people in particular and create a genuine, lasting interest among the next generation. The encouragement of regular sporting events will provide an enjoyable and accessible way for young children to begin to understand the First World War and particularly the events of the 1914 Christmas Truce. WMT hopes that this will become part of a wider interest and participation in commemoration and war memorial protection and is keen to work with the project to ensure this.

For more information please visit our website: http://www.warmemorials.org/ 

Contact: Ruth@warmemorials.org