FAI involved in peace project
Monday, 23 June 2008 18:55The Football Association of Ireland will play a part in a Middle East peace-building initiative next month.
The Football Village of Hope will bring together 60 youngsters from across the Israeli-Palestinian divide in an effort to foster new links.
Taking place at the Shfeya youth village from July 6, the week-long event has been organised by former FAI president Milo Corcoran, who is the current chairman of the FAI's International Committee, and Ophir Zardok, general manager of League of Ireland champions Drogheda United.
Youngsters from Kiryat Gat, Tul Karem, Ramallah and East Jerusalem will work with professional coaches from the FAI and will also visit the Maccabi Haifa training ground and have a chance to meet the players.
The initiative, which will be held on an annual basis, will also include classes, mixed group drawing sessions and workshops.
It has been funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs through its Irish Aid programme and has the support of Minister Micheal Martin.
Zardok said: 'When I came to Ireland three years ago, I saw the co-operation between clubs from both sides of the border in the Setanta Sports Cup and I thought that if football can bring everybody together in Ireland, why can't it do the same in the Middle East?'
Corcoran added: 'We have received tremendous support from the Minister for Foreign Affairs and his department as well as the FAI, and I have no doubt that football, as the world game, can make a positive impact with children from Israel and Palestine.'
Former Argentina captain and manager Daniel Passarella has agreed to be the 2008 Village of Hope ambassador and will attend the event.
