Saif, a Syrian refugee who has found a welcome home with the Play for Peace football team | Credit: Ruth Towell/Tearfund

A BEAUTIFUL GAME

How football is promoting peace and forgiveness

 

Saif fled Syria because of the conflict, arriving in Lebanon with nothing. Despite being 12 years old, he had to work. An avid soccer player, Saif joined Play for Peace, a Tearfund partner project. It welcomes children from all backgrounds, on and off the soccer field, to bring communities together.

"When I play soccer, it takes me out of this world," says Saif. "Without Play for Peace, I would still be facing the same problems. They taught me to control my emotions. If I return to Syria and become a soccer coach, I'll teach my players to live with peace."