Football Unites is staging a unique event marking the beginning of the World Cup this Thursday, 10th June.
The event, posing the question, “Football, a shared sense of belonging?” takes place at Sheffield City College from 6pm, and will bring together a panel of experts, including ex-Blade Brian Deane, to discuss some of the wider issues around this summer’s feast of football. FURD’s Chris Stone explains:
“Many football fans see the game as a way of bridging communities, bringing individuals closer together and as a brilliant tool for social change. Given the symbolic nature of this year’s tournament being hosted in South Africa, we wanted to do something a little bit special and put our own Sheffield stamp on it.”
The event will also launch a three year research project seeking to provide a platform for refugees and asylum seekers to voice their thoughts through football.
“At FURD, we work with a number of the city’s asylum seekers. This research project will also help to increase our understanding about how cultural devices such as football may provide some sense of mutual belonging,” continued Stone.
Sub-Saharan food will be served as well as a World Cup predictor and the draw for FURD’s annual All Nations Football Tournament, to be held at the University of Sheffield’s Goodwin Centre, Northumberland Road, on Sunday 20th June.
For further information please contact Chris Stone or Howard Holmes at FURD on 0114 255 3156..