ABSTRACT
There have been a number of attempts in Israel in recent years to utilize the power of soccer [or football] to bring Arabs and Jews together in order to improve relations and make peace in the region a possibility. This study examines the effectiveness of one particular programme, Mifalot’s ‘United Soccer for Peace’ in reaching this goal. A growing number of studies from around the world1 demonstrate the potential for the use of sport as a vehicle to promote mutual understanding, reconciliation and coexistence in deeply divided societies. In Israel, there is growing interest in the role of sports programmes in conflict mitigation.2 However, there is relatively little research, which examines the effects of these sports programmes in Israel. Most of the research conducted in Israel in this field is quantitative and addresses issues of attitude changes, development of local commitment and leadership, and improving sports programming.3 The aim of this paper is to examine in-depth, using qualitative
methods, one project, Mifalot’s ‘United Soccer for Peace’. This three-year programme attempts to train and certify 25 Arab and 25 Jewish soccer coaches each year in mixed groups, as well as to teach them peace education values and tools. The certified coaches then apply for small grants to conduct programmes in their communities that bring together Arab and Jewish children for soccer activities.
