Quick Start Guide
The Ball explored the theme of “empathy” through the experience of displaced people; the journeys that they have needed to make and the challenges they faced once they have found refuge. The Ball highlighted the extraordinary work that is being done using football to help these people find a new home and build new communities.
Watch the film on NETFLIX
The Ball 2018 had a busy schedule. Education workshops were run in learning centres in 10 German Bundesliga stadiums, bringing participants from previously warring nations together in Kosovo. The Ball was kicked and signed by homeless people in Croatia. We sought the Olympic Spirit and a blessing from the Greek Gods at the top of Mount Olympus with football fans in Greece. On 18th May, The Ball was welcomed into Jordan by HRH Prince Ali, visited Syrian refugee camps in Jordan and ran integration workshops with Syrian refugees and host communities in Lebanon and Turkey. And after all that, there was our attempt to enter Russia via Georgia.
Spirit of Football worked with the Robert Bosch Foundation on this epic journey with the common goal of strengthening Europe through football. Spirit of Football’s award winning curriculum “One Ball, One World” (featuring fair play football, music, art, dance and theatre activities) was deployed in schools and communities en route. Collaboration with our partners ensured that The Ball 2018 leaves a lasting legacy and extends the impact of the World Cup beyond the borders of the host country, Russia.
