Children’s charity, Denis Law Legacy Trust is to send the first-ever Scottish team to the Global Peace Games in Belgium.
Organised by the Children’s Football Alliance, the Global Peace Games project is a week-long peace education programme of sport, games and remembrance with representatives from over 16 countries coming together to take part in the vital initiative.
Denis Law Legacy Trust was invited after Scotland’s first-ever Cruyff Court, Cruyff Court Denis Law, twinned with Flanders Peace Field in Belgium. There are currently 70 Peace Pitches in 6 continents twinned with Flanders Peace Field where German and Allied soldiers stepped out of their trenches on Christmas eve 1914 and momentarily escaped the horrors of war to exchange gifts and play football.
Participants will visit significant battle sites and take part in international games and forums, debating the role of sport at home, in the community and at war. The event is funded by UEFA Foundation for Children and the Children’s Football Alliance.
Mark Williams, chief operating officer, Denis Law Legacy Trust said: “We are honoured to send the first-ever Scottish cohort to the international Peace Games in Belgium. Initiatives such as this allow us to provide young people with new experiences and educational opportunities that they may not otherwise have access to. It is especially poignant for us as the Gordon Highlanders, who were based in Aberdeen at the time, took part in the famous Christmas Truces that showed how sport can bring people together.”
Ernie Brennan, chief executive officer, Children’s Football Alliance said: “This is a once in a lifetime experience for many young peacemakers of the future. Playing games on the world’s most poignant field inspires many participants to pledge promoting peace in their communities.”
Denis Law Legacy Trust is a children’s charity that operates and delivers a number of free to access programmes and positive destination activities for young people.
Primarily through Streetsport, which is run in partnership with Robert Gordon University, the Trust aims to reduce instances of youth crime and anti-social behaviour; improve health and wellbeing; and encourage inclusivity through sport, physical activity and creative endeavour.
For more information on the Global Peace Games, visit: https://www.childrensfootballalliance.com/football-and-peace/uefa-foundation-for-children