Gaza Plays Peace (GPP) does exactly what its name suggests. It supports Gazan kids aged 10-17 to play soccer in peace and safety. Founded in 2015 in memory of the Bakr kids who lost their lives playing on the beach in July 2014, GPP is locally directed and run as a grassroots family cooperative, engaging Moms and Dads and all their kids who love to play.
Right now the situation in Gaza is very bleak. We are running a fundraiser to support the Ahmed family, the founders and leaders of Gaza Plays Peace to help them escape Gaza. Please give what you can.
Trauma Reduction
The one million children of Gaza who have survived five wars since 2008 are deeply traumatized. Many have lost their sense of safety when they play, not knowing if the Israeli drone that hovers over their head is ready to launch a lethal attack, or whether another war is about to start. Sport is a powerful way of helping children express their feelings, and to regain their physical confidence in their own right to play and be children, regardless of the plight that the adults in charge have placed them in.
Programs
Every month, teams of aspiring footballers meet to learn about team work, to run and get fit, and to play in practice tournaments. In the season, GPP also provides students weekly lessons in English and in leadership skills. GPP hopes one day that some of these players will go on to play in the big league while ensuring that no matter what level of skill, that all the kids have fun.
GPP Development League
Gaza Plays Peace’s new Development League
Inspired by the World Cup of 2022 held for the first time in an Arab country, GPP has doubled its outreach to students and now has a development league of third grade students!
Gaza Plays Peace GPP now has twenty players of different ages. The first generation consists of 10 older members who are now 14 years old. The second, newer generation, is composed of 10 kids who are 8 years old. The older athletes mentor the young, having been taught and supported by the generation before, and expect to become the coaches. In this way, we are creating a community that can grow both with us and beyond us in Gaza.
Plans for 2023
Gaza Plays Peace has three major tournaments planned for 2023: The St. Patrick’s Day Tournament, the Gaza Champions League, and a tournament to commemorate the Bakr Kids’ Memorial Day.
In 2023, GPP emulated the 2023 European Champions’ League. GPP athletes channeled enthusiasm for the Championship and used it as a method to address trauma, and to develop their skills.
When GPP still operated in Gaza City (until October 2023), GPP was run with a very cost-efficient budget, relying on volunteers and supporters in the USA and Europe who helped fund the initiative. Costs for GPP include: hiring space to train, as there are no open spaces or parks in Gaza, jerseys and nets and balls, and food and coaching fees. Currently we are running a fundraiser for the Ahmed Family, the longtime leadership of GPP. Please give what you can and please share.