The Soccer for Peace initiative was originally conceived as a joint venture between three UPF chapters: Italy, Israel, and San Marino. Its core concept is bringing Jewish and Arab children together for a week of friendly football matches, recreation, and shared adventures in Italy and San Marino. The program creates a unique space for youth to build genuine friendships and foster a peaceful dialogue between themselves and with local children in the host nation.
The inaugural project took place in Turin in 2015, followed by annual editions in the Republic of San Marino (RSM) from 2016 through 2019. The initiative was subsequently paused due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the regional war. Finally, after dedicated efforts by partners across all regions, the project was revived this year. Today, San Marino has become renowned in Israel precisely for this pioneering initiative.
Preparation and Delegation Structure
Prior to departure, a joint orientation meeting took place at Givat Haviva, bringing together Jewish and Arab parents and youth to establish trust, address logistics, and distribute UPF sports kit.
The 22-person delegation comprised equal numbers of Jewish and Arab participants: nine Jewish children and nine Muslim children aged 12–13, along with two adult mentors from each community. The leadership team supporting the youth included football coaches Yazdi and Wasim, civics teacher Zakaria Mahameed, "Kicking Out Violence in Sports" project manager Roee, and UPF Israel Chair Hod Ben Zvi.
A Journey of Athletics, Culture, and Human Connection
Traveling from Tel Aviv to Rome and continuing by bus to San Marino, the delegation spent an intensive and meaningful week together. The structured itinerary combined sports, dialogue, and cultural discovery:
- Daily Training & Tournament: Daily two-hour football sessions at the San Marino Football Federation (FSGC) central pitch culminated in a friendly match against the San Marino Academy U14 team. On the pitch, the 18 youths played together wearing the same jersey, demonstrating how sports can build bridges before formal treaties are signed.
- Evening Dialogue & Bonding: Evening sessions focused on personal reflection and mutual understanding, allowing the children's natural warmth to surface away from the heavy atmosphere of regional conflict.
- Excursions & Recreation: The group enjoyed guided tours of historic San Marino, a day trip to Rimini, swimming, and bowling.
Government Reception and Media Coverage
The initiative received widespread attention and institutional backing:
- Audience with Heads of State: On the final day, the delegation was honored with an official audience with the Captains Regent (Heads of State of San Marino) at the Parliament Building. During the exchange of warm greetings and official reports, Hod Ben Zvi, Chair of UPF Israel, expressed deep gratitude on behalf of the delegation, highlighting a central teaching of UPF Co-Founder Dr. Hak Ja Han: "To achieve lasting peace, we must replace the logic of power with the logic of love."
The Captains Regent responded with great enthusiasm and encouraging words. The meeting concluded with inspiring reflections by Member of Parliament Hon. Gerardo Giovagnoli, who played a key role in securing government approval and sponsorship.
- National Media Feature (see below): San Marino’s national broadcaster, RTV, covered the delegation extensively. In television interviews, UPF representatives emphasized that true peace relies on genuine human relationships. As noted during the RTV coverage: "Unless agreements are based on genuine human relationships between people, they cannot last... We have to shake the box in a positive way so that their hearts can unite."
Institutional Gratitude and Looking Ahead
We extend our deepest gratitude to UPF San Marino, led by President Giorgio Gasperoni and Chief Organizer David Gasperoni, as well as the San Marino Football Federation (FSGC), the Ministry of Industry and Sport, and the Ministry of Tourism for their generous sponsorship.
A special vote of thanks goes to the international and regional organizations whose generous financial and organizational contributions made this project possible: UPF International and various local chapters.
From Israel, we also express deep appreciation to the parents, the Givat Haviva Institute, and the "Boatim" association.
Following the delegation's safe return, follow-up gatherings are being organized for participants and their families to continue building on these newly formed bonds locally.
Media reports on the "Soccer for Peace" program: