FOUNDATION FOR FREEDOM

Football Against Racism in Europe

Since 2005 we have been taking part in FARE Action Week. We support this anti-racist campaign by organizing football tournaments for players from three continents. We have decided to participate in this undertaking because we are sure that by this mean we can demonstrate our opposition to racism, and also give refugees an opportunity to integrate with Polish society (our effort directs mostly towards the refugees). We meet every October at the field of Spoleczne Gimnazjum #20 (part of “Bednarska” School) in Warsaw.

photo Rafał Guz

The beggining
Before our first tournament (2005) we asked two Warsaw refuge centers to join the competition. There was no problem of will but we came across some setbacks, for instance Chechnyans had no football shoes so we had to buy them (so they would be able to train football also in the future).

In this tournament took part pupils from “Bednarska” School, Chechnyans and Africans. We had a weekend of games in two groups (each of 4 teams) and then semi-finals and the final. The Africans won the main prize – a symbolic cup. We were supported by members of Nigdy Więcej (Never Again Association) who were giving off anti-racist leaflets. Our first tournament not only led to a simple meeting, friend making and cultural exchange but also had encouraged Polish Robert Schuman Foundation (our partner) to establish cooperation with the Office of Aliens in Poland (now they are providing voluntary service in refuge centers as a part of EU Youth in Action Programme).

photo Rafał Guz

2nd tournament
In 2006 we invited also immigrants from Vietnam. This community is quite big especially in Warsaw. Polish people associate them with fast food owners and black market merchants and only a few know anything about their culture and day-to-day life. This minority (estimated for 50.000) rarely stays in refuge centers but still they form closed groups and suffer the same strict repatriation policy as others. The appeared to play football very well but this time unexpectedly the youngest Polish team won the main prize – a ball signed by famous Polish football players: Ebi Smolarek (Borussia Dortmund) and Maciej Żurawski (Celtic Glasgow). The tournament was supported by Amnesty International. This time, as the Office of Aliens in Poland already trusts with us, we did not need to pay for the transport. Also professional referees resigned from the salary.

2007 and 2008
Our 3rd and 4t tournaments gathered more than 150 people each. Both were accompanied by several concerts – from electro and disco up to rock and hip hop. We have started to invite Polish football stars and cooperate with 1st league team Legia Warszawa. Every time there are new teams that join the event: Jews, communist, children from different districts of Warsaw… Since 2007 we work together with Maribel Dominguez Group which opts for feminine and sex-mix football. So, we have more and more girls playing – and scoring.

Gazeta Wyborcza, 10/16/2006

Every time participants are presented with t-shirts “moje boisko” (my playing field) with logo of Poland designed by Studio Bakalie. During the tournament we give off tea and coffee and after the final starts multicultural picnic with African and Polish food.

About FARE
Football is the biggest sport in the world and belongs to us all. It should be the right of every person to play, watch and discuss freely, without fear. Football Against Racism in Europe will fight through football all forms of discrimination in football: in the stadium, on the pitch, in the changing room, at the training ground, in the office and classroom; by fans, players, managers, coaches, administrators or educators.

In February 1999, on the initiative of supporters groups from different regions of Europe, a meeting, which also included football associations and players unions, was held in Vienna to develop a common strategy and policy against racism and xenophobia. Out of this emerged Football Against Racism in Europe – a network of organisations from several European countries – and a plan of action. The FARE network dedicated itself to fight racism and xenophobia in football across Europe, through co-ordinated action and common efforts, at local and national level, to bring together all those interested in combating discrimination in football.

Today the network has active partners in more than 37 countries and is working across the game with fans, players, migrant and ethnic minority organizations, and governing bodies, including UEFA and FIFA. It also includes members from within football such as professional clubs and players unions. By supporting and nurturing grassroots groups and combining the voices of ordinary fans of the game, FARE acts as an umbrella organization for those challenging racism and discrimination throughout Europe. The network is co-ordinated by various partners in a central administration group. Thanks to the FARE network concerted campaigning for change is becoming evident. However, problems still exist and racial abuse, the exclusion of ethnic minorities and migrants, and discrimination continue both on and off the pitch.

In Poland FARE is represented by Never Again Association.

photo Rafał Guz