Festival aims to combat discrimination in Balkans

Thursday 29 Jul 2010
Back to news >

Nine youth teams from Albania, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, Macedonia and Serbia will participate in a festival against nationalism, chauvinism and intolerance in Montenegro.

Workshops and discussion groups will also offer an opportunity for a detailed debate on racism and nationalism. A brochure containing messages against racism and nationalism in the Balkans from well-known players will be distributed during the tournament.

Patron of the event is the Montenegro international Branko Boškovic: “I am very happy to support the tournament. With the power and strength of football we have an instrument to fight racism, discrimination and nationalism.

“Football is a sport for everyone: origin, colour of the skin, religion, boy or girl, young or old – that just doesn’t count.”

‘Joint goal’
“I want to emphasize that it is not important who will win the tournament; it is important that all of the participants contribute to the joint goal of fighting discrimination and nationalism and are taking home the spirit of intercultural respect and understanding.”

Beforehand three regional youth tournaments have been organized with a total number of 18 teams from different parts of the countries.

The first event was held from 24 – 25 July in the Bosnian capital Sarajevo. Two regional tournaments take place from 1 – 2 August near the Serbian capital Belgrade and in the Serbian Sandžak, a multi-ethnic and multi-religious region (Orthodox and Muslim) close to the border of Montenegro.

The winner of these regional events qualifies for the final in Kotor and will compete with a ethnically mixed teams from Mostar – Bosnia & Herzegovina, Roma Macedonia, an Albanian and Croatian team as well as with the two hosts from Montenegro – Kokelj Kotor and Kom Podgorica.

Activities
Following the successful initiation of the Football Unites the Alps, Adria and the Balkans campaign organized by the Balkan Alpe Adria Project (BAAP), FairPlay-VIDC and the European network Football Against Racism in Europe (FARE), the activities have been set to continue from January 2010 until December 2012.

The activities are geographically focused on the basis of co-operations with the football associations of Montenegro, Bosnia & Herzegovina and Serbia.

The project partners will organize a series of annual regional youth tournaments for boys and girls (under 16) hosted by the national football associations and local clubs with teams from different countries in the Balkans. Nine teams will qualify every year for the final tournament.

Funding for the activities is provided by the football associations of Montenegro, Bosnia & Herzegovina and Serbia, UEFA and the King Baudouin Foundation.

For more information, please download the event flyer by clicking here.

Report an incident of discrimination confidentiallymore >

 

  • 2018
  • 2017
  • 2016
  • 2015
  • 2014
  • 2013
  • 2012
  • 2011
  • 2010
"We have a responsibility as players to give something back and I’m really thankful to be part of this organisation because we can do a lot of good."
Jack Butland, 'Next 20' Ambassador
“A big part of my involvement with Kick It Out stems from my strong admiration for the organisation’s commitment to fairness and equality.”
Clive Tyldesley, football commentator
“It was Kick It Out that convinced the people in football that change was possible.”
Greg Dyke, former FA chairman
“I wanted to thank the campaigners at Kick It Out for their work. I know first-hand how Kick It Out can help.”
Yaya Toure, Manchester City midfielder
“It is important for me in my role as a Kick It Out ‘Next 20’ ambassador to teach young people how to handle discrimination and treat people with respect.”
Romelu Lukaku, 'Next 20' Ambassador
“It is a massive honour for me to be an ambassador for such a great organisation. I think they do great work on and off the field.”
Toni Duggan, 'Next 20' Ambassador
"It really helped me to see that other professional sports people were acknowledging their sexuality. I read about John Amaechi, Gareth Thomas and Tom Daley. They weren't footballers but the fact that they went public gave me the feeling that I was not alone."
Thomas Hitzlsperger, former Aston Villa midfielder
"There was no conflict between religion and the fact that I wanted to play football. I was brought up correctly and in the right way and my parents are very proud of the fact that I am a professional footballer."
Sadio Mané, Liverpool winger
“I think it’s important to share success stories and realise that there are women operating in the game. If it’s something you want to do, you can do it.”
Ffion Eade, Hampshire FA referee
"I've had loads of negative comments from men, especially growing up. It's just boring and old. Times have changed, and they continue to change. Women play football, and they're good at it, and have been for a number of years.”
Kelly Smith, England Women's record goalscorer
"Despite the progress, stereotypes still exist in football and until that is broken down it will be extremely difficult for a woman to manage a top level men's team."
Rachel Yankey, former Arsenal Ladies forward
"There’s no hiding that there is sexism in sport. We have a lack of women right across all levels of management, playing and coaching. It shows the closed nature of sport in general and this includes the media. It’s an indictment of sport as a whole."
Rimla Akhtar, Kick It Out trustee and Chair of the Muslim Women’s Sports Foundation
“I’m proud to be a supporter of Kick It Out and particularly the work they are doing to combat antisemitism within football.”
Joe Jacobson, Wycombe Wanderers midfielder
"With Kick It Out leading the way football is standing up and fighting against those who preach hatred and intolerance and we at Chelsea are proud to support their work."
Bruce Buck, Chelsea Football Club Chairman

Archives

  • 2018
  • 2017
  • 2016
  • 2015
  • 2014
  • 2013
  • 2012
  • 2011
  • 2010