Football for Hope is a global initiative supporting programmes which combine football with community development projects. The initiatives methods include direct financial support, the provision of equipment, and projects providing training, expertise and an exchange of information on fundraising, networking, personal development and communication.

A new Football for Hope Centre opens its doors in Ghana this Saturday, 24 March. To coincide with the inauguration ceremony, FIFA.com today presents a film documenting the Football for Hope Festival in South Africa.

During the 2010 FIFA World Cup, the world governing body, the local Organising Committee and streetfootballworld staged the first Football for Hope Festival as a component of the programme supporting the global tournament. A total of 32 mixed-gender teams gathered in Johannesburg, joining forces in the fight for a better future in their home countries.

The 15 to 18-year-old youths enjoyed two exhilarating weeks, including discussion groups, health education courses, cultural events and also a football tournament, played entirely without referees. At the end, the winners were declared to be everyone involved, as none of the youngsters will ever forget their 14 days in Africa's southernmost nation.

Now join us and experience the thrill and joy of Football for Hope for yourself, as were once again reminded of football's power to promote togetherness and initiate change.

Read more from the original source:
Football, a rich source of hope