The FAI and Euro 2020 have launched No Barriers 2020 a campaign encouraging primary schools to use football to inspire social change in their community.
The new project will provide resources to schools that will introduce a ‘Champion’ from each of the twelve cities hosting games in the Euro 2020 Finals.
These will include Cards, lesson plans, a Host City map, worksheets and more. Schools are encouraged to sign up at fai.ie/nobarriers.
The project is supported by the Football Association of Ireland and the Greater London Authority and will be promoted across schools in both cities.
The ‘Champions’ from each of the 12 cities have each overcome different barriers to achieve success on the football pitch.
Their stories will hopefully inspire students to become active citizens, using sport to promote social action.
The champions – past and present – include players who have challenged racism, a player who led his team to win a Championship, twice, despite having lost an arm in a car crash and a Holocaust survivor who went on to be a world-renowned coach.
Dublin’s ‘Champion’ is Stephanie Roche who has been a vocal advocate for women’s football, campaigning for equal pay and fair media coverage in the sporting world.
In 2014 the public voted for her to be a top 3 finalist for the FIFA Puskas Award for the best goal of the year – the highest any female player has been recognised in the competition.
“I was delighted to be invited to participate in the ‘No Barriers’ campaign and I believe that the powerful stories can inspire the next generation of football fans,” said Roche.
“‘No Barriers’ introduces students to the 12 UEFA EURO 2020 host cities and provides a wealth of information which I’m sure all students will enjoy learning about.”
“Dublin’s staging of four UEFA Euro 2020 matches this June will be a seismic moment for football in Ireland,” added FAI Interim Deputy CEO Niall Quinn.
“‘No Barriers’ introduces students to the 12 UEFA EURO 2020 host cities and tells the story of an inspiring hero from each one. This is further evidence of the positive impact that the sport can make on people of all ages, background and gender.”
“The programme highlights the achievements of many footballers across Europe who have overcome incredible odds to achieve their goals. I’m delighted to help launch the ‘No Barriers programme, and would urge as many schools as possible here in Ireland to sign up to and benefit from this insightful and engaging initiative.”
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Image Credit: Stephen McCarthy, Sportsfile
