In a new and unique initiative, 20 Jordanian youth from across Amman have been given the unprecedented opportunity to travel to France for football training. Lead by the Jordanian French Centre for Sports Excellence (JFCSE) this initiative brings together parents, NGOs and local sponsors in a spirit of solidarity, to help support children from less privileged areas,
fulfil their football aspirations while widening their cultural horizons beyond their local environments.
"It is a unique initiative that emerged after hosting several local football training courses, managed by French trainers," said Elena Abuadas, director of the JFCSE, which operates under the umbrella of the local community-development organization, Tatawor. "All this started by striving to realise an idea that, in the beginning, seemed almost impossible to achieve," explained Abuadas.
The cutting edge initiative was made possible due to an innovative fundraising campaign that brought together extensive sponsorship by Pepsi, local associations that include Ruwwad and Tatawor, as well as the parents of some participating children.
"One of the most important outcomes of this project was the mobilization of various actors that ranged from NGOs and sponsors to parents from more privileged socioeconomic backgrounds – all in an attempt to grant these children the opportunity to be trained in football while being exposed to the global community. Without such a wide range of support converging for this single purpose, none of this would be possible." explained Abuadas. "Half the participating children have never travelled outside Amman, and some have yet to journey beyond the borders of their own communities. It goes without saying that such an initiative not only offers these children the chance to receive professional training in a universal sport, but to also provide them with an opportunity that can help turn them in to global citizens., and provide hope for future generations in the Kingdom."
Commenting on Pepsi's support to these children Mr. Sufian Al Salman, East Med & Africa Business Unit HR Director at Pepsi Jordan said: "We are happy to be participating in such an important initiative that will allow Jordanian children to develop and hone their football skills at an international level. The training will also give them the chance to explore and learn about new cultures in order to develop their thinking and expand their horizons. Our participation stems from the company's belief in the importance of creating a positive impact in the local community and developing the talents of Jordanian youth with the overall aim of elevating the level of Jordanian sportsmanship."
The young footballers will embark on an 11-day journey to France and will be travelling to two regions in the south of France, (Provence and Languedoc). The programme of activities will include two football training session every day, whereby the participants will be playing against local French teams under the supervision of football scouts from the French Football League 1. Activities will include meeting professional football players from the Football League 1, where the young participants can see them during their preparation and training season. Beyond the football field, the young Jordanians will also have the chance to discover French culture through constant exchanges with French children who share their passion for football.
