Our History – Football For Peace

Our History

Football for Peace Global as an organization was inspired by the work of FIFA and Chilean legend Elias Figueroa. In 2013, Kashif Siddiqi, a former South Asian footballer and Football Diplomat, launched Football for Peace Global.

How it all Began

Kash was inspired by his mother Shamim Akhter struggles from Africa to the UK and set out to accomplish a single goal – to serve and unlock the power of football globally. The announcement was made at the Peace and Sport forum in Dubai under the High Patronage of HRH Prince Albert II of Monaco.

The concept was socialised at the United Nations New York office in 2007 under the directorship of Dr. Djibril Diallo and former Secretary-General, the late Kofi Annan. In 2016, Siddiqi led an agreement signing at the United Nations Geneva office of Sports for Development and Peace, endorsed under the leadership of Mr. Wilfried Lemke, the Secretary-General’s Special Advisor.

OUR STORY

Football for Peace Global as an organisation was inspired by the work of FIFA and Chilean legend Elias Figueroa.

In 2013, South Asian former footballer and Football Diplomat Kashif Siddiqi launched Football for Peace Global, who was inspired by his mother Shamim Akhter’s struggles from Africa to the UK, and set out to accomplish a single goal- to serve and unlock the power of football globally. The announcement was made at the Peace and Sport forum in Dubai Under the High Patronage of HRH Prince Albert the II of Monaco.

FOOTBALL FOR PEACE THROUGH THE YEARS

9 SEP
2006
2006 - SOUTH AMERICAN INSPIRATION
Elias Figueroa hosted Partido Por La Paz matches via the Gol iluminado Foundation in South America to serve local communities. The Inaugural Futbol Por La Paz Match delivered by the Gol iluminado Corporacian in Chile raised 60 tonnes of non-perishable food and distributed across the region. Global South American superstars Carlos Alberto Torres, Pele, Ronaldhino and Alexis Sanchez played and endorsed the cause passionately.
2006 - SOUTH AMERICAN INSPIRATION
8 SEP
2013
2013 - NEW ERA
Inspired by his mother, Kashif Siddiqi announces Football for Peace Global at the Peace and Sport Forum in Dubai. The summit welcomed the most prominent leaders from sports, politics, the private sector, charity organisations, academics and intergovernmental organisations, who all believe that sport can make a difference in the way our world works.
2013 - NEW ERA
6 SEP
2014
2014 - FIRST ACTIVATION WITH FOOTBALL ROYALTY - LATE PELE
An initiative led by Gol iluminado Corpacian which invited Football for Peace Global to partake with activity with the Rapa Nui Tribes. Santander Bank sponsored a Peace Match on Easter Island with Pelé to unite the Rapa Nui Tribes across the island who had previously been living in isolation and conflict. It brought together and created dialogue between the indigenous tribes on Easter Island.
2014 - FIRST ACTIVATION WITH FOOTBALL ROYALTY - LATE PELE
5 SEP
2014
2014 - PHILANTHROPY INAUGURATION
Elias Figueroa and Kashif Siddiqi honoured during a ceremony and gala dinner attended by H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco, Princess Charlene of Monaco and more than 700 delegates from over 100 nations, including heads of States. Both were welcomed by the Advisor of Sport to the Principality and President of Peace and Sport by Joel Bouzou to the Champions of Peace club

The Champions for Peace initiative was created by Peace and Sport to honour top-level sports champions who help disadvantaged communities through sport and to further offer athletes a structure for communal expression and action to support sports projects at the service of peace and human and social development .

1 SEP
2014
2014 - FFP UK LAUNCH - FOUNDING PARTNERS
The Randeree Family Trust and DCD Group become the founding family office to support the growth of FFP in the UK. DCD Group is a private investment office focused on real estate investment and development, banking and technology venture capital.
11 SEP
2014
2014 - Vatican Meet
Kashif Siddiqi honored by His Holiness Pope Francis to discuss the beautiful game and its power to do good on Vatican visit
2014 - Vatican Meet
13 SEP
2015
2015 - INAUGURAL CITYWIDE MVP BIRMINGHAM PROGRAMME
In partnership with the United Nations Geneva office of Sports for Development and Peace endorsed under the leadership of Mr Wilfried Lemke the secretary General’s Special Advisor, Birmingham City Council and supported HRH Prince William; FFP celebrated the graduation of its Young Most Valuable Players programme.  The initiative at Saltley Academy school brought together children from different cultures together through football across Birmingham. Football for Peace (FFP Global) is a global project that works with marginalised communities across the globe.

Prince William witnessed the programme and spoke with Head Teachers of the schools and representatives of Football for Peace before he presenting certificates to the students who have completed the programme. The programme involved several schools in east Birmingham, including Saltley Academy going through workshops on topics such as Equality Diversity and Inclusion, a Leaders course, and Community action on good deeds

2015 - INAUGURAL CITYWIDE MVP BIRMINGHAM PROGRAMME
13 SEP
2015
2015 - INAUGURAL UK PEACE MATCH
Under the Patronage of HRH Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein, On Tuesday 8th of September 2015, Football For Peace hosted a historical and unique 5 aside football PEACE MATCH, at the old Royal Naval college in London Greenwich In partnership with Her Majesty’s Royal NAVY.Harry Redknapp led a unified Afghanistan and Great Britain national team against Football for Peace MVP’s UK.

Redknapp’s side, which included former internationals Robbie Savage, Ally McCoist and Steve Lomas as well as three members of the Afghanistan national team, beat a Football for Peace side in front of heads of states, diplomats and school children.
The Peace Match was held to signify an act of reconciliation and unity.

2015 - INAUGURAL UK PEACE MATCH
14 SEP
2016
2016. Vatican – Sport At The Service of Humanity summit.
Football for Peace partner and support of the First Global Conference on Faith & Sport convened global leaders and influencers from the world of faith, sport, business and other relevant organizations to discuss the interconnectedness of Faith and Sport and to explore the scope and limit of the combination.

Co Founder – Kashif Siddiqi launched the initiative speaking on the power of sport uniting faiths worldwide.

The intention is to produce actionable results that can be put to use for the betterment of the faith and sport communities

2016. Vatican – Sport At The Service of Humanity summit.
15 SEP
2016
2016 - Sait Nagjee All India Football Tournament - supports a girl school with Ronaldinho
The Sait Nagjee All India Football Tournament is one of the most prestigious football Tournaments held in Kozhikode, Kerala, India. The tournament was very popular from the beginning & attracted large crowd since 1952. In partnership with Brazilian icon Ronaldinho, Football for Peace supported the tournament becoming the charity partner.

Ronaldinho and Kashif Siddiqi handed over the Nagjee trophy to the organisers to mark the kick off of the tournament. A Proceeds of the tournament allowed to launch a MVP programme at a local all girls school.

2016 - Sait Nagjee All India Football Tournament - supports a girl school with Ronaldinho
15 SEP
2016
2016 - Football for Peace X Soccerex - PARTNERSHIP ANNOUNCED
March 16th, Soccerex and Football for Peace (FFP) have came together to form a new global partnership which will see the two organizations collaborating to promote football’s unique power to be  force for good. Under the terms of the partnership, FFP and Soccerex will be collaborating and sharing benefits at their respective events across the world.

The charity will be given exposure at all Soccerex Regional and global platforms

2016 - Football for Peace X Soccerex - PARTNERSHIP ANNOUNCED
16 SEP
2017
2017 - An Evening with Pele
A dinner gala hosted the Football icon in London to raise money for the UK Programmes. The evening hosted 400 guests sponsored by Pro Direct amounsgt other corporate brands
17 SEP
2017
2017 - A Special VIP Head of State Visit to the London MVP Programme
President Jokowi of Indonesia visited the London Newham project to understand best practice in sports diplomacy grassroots work
18 SEP
2017
2017 - NFL x US EMBASSY x FOOTBALL FOR PEACE London MVP Programme
The New England Patriots partner with Football for Peace and the US Embassy in London to deliver American football sessions and workshops
19 SEP
2017
2017 - UNOSDP GENEVA MOU SIGNING
Siddiqi leads an agreement signing at the United Nations Geneva office of Sports for Development and Peace endorsed under the leadership of Mr Wilfried Lemke the secretary General’s Special Advisor. The MOU included strategic aims of a closer working relationship between Football for Peace’s UK office with the UNOSDP Geneva office to cooperate on sports diplomacy initiatives to help both in short and long terms crises
2017 - UNOSDP GENEVA MOU SIGNING
18 SEP
2017
2017 - Lord Mayor, Guildhall Sports Diplomacy Ball
On November 2017, Under the HIgh Patronage of HRH Prince Ali of Jordan, the Lord Mayor of the City of London hosted the Inaugural Sports Diplomacy Ball.

Football for Peace partnered with the City of London at the Guildhall in London to celebrate Football Diplomacy raise money for the UK activations. The night brought  together the football world with the diplomatic world. Ambassadors and High Commissioners representing 15 different countries across the globe as well a selection of Professional Footballers attended to witness a momentous gathering at the Iconic Guildhall, Gresham St, London. The evening also celebrated the launch of the MVP Programme in London.
The evening included a reception, 3 course dinner, auction and key- note speeches from His Royal Highness Prince Ali Al-Bin Hussein and Ambassador of the US to the UK HE Robert Wood Johnson IV on the power of Football Diplomacy.

2017 - Lord Mayor, Guildhall Sports Diplomacy Ball
18 SEP
2017
2017 - MoM of the Match (MoM) Initiative Launched
The Football for Peace Global family has been inspired by their mothers (MoMs) not least the co founder and her journey and inspiration. Taking this as a legacy FFP has launched the MoM Awards and MoM Centres to honour mothers and players giving back to society.

In November, the concept was born as the charity honored to present the ‘MoM Awards 2017’ to Ronaldinho’s mother, The late Dona Miguelina and Jermain Defoe’s mother, Sandra Defoe for their support and influence in their son’s philanthropic endeavors.

18 SEP
2018
2018 - Houses of Parliament discussion on the power of football supported the Secretary of State for Sport
Football for Peace celebrated its success with Ministers and parliamentarians who heard first hand from young children who graduated from the MVP programmes across the country, supported by MP Seema Malhotra and Secretary of State for Sport.
18 SEP
2018
2018 - INAUGURAL CITYWIDE MVP LUTON PROGRAMME
In partnership with Luton Town FC, Luton Town Council and FA; FFP celebrated the graduation of its Young Most Valuable Players programme.  The initiative was hosted across the city and the graduation hosted at the stadium.

The programme involved several schools going through workshops on topics such as Equality Diversity and Inclusion, a Leaders course, and Community action on good deeds

18 SEP
2019
2019 - LIBERIA SPORTS DIPLOMACY HEAD OF STATE VISIT
A Football for Peace delegation were invited to Liberia to meet with the 25th President and former FIFA Legend Geroeg Weah. The youth and Sports Minister Zeogar Wilson said President George Weah has welcomed the initiative to Africa
18 SEP
2019
2019 - UN NATIONWIDE YOUNG MVP GRADUATION AND PEACE WALL ACTIVITY
On November 22nd, Football for Peace Celebrated their youth graduation ceremony at Copperbox arena in London with the support of his Royal Highness Prince William. FFP also launched the #FootballSavesLives initiative with the Duke of Cambridge, which pledges to train 500 MVP’s. The celebration brought together footballing ambassadors Mesut Ozil, Louis Saha, Bacary Sagna, Mamadou Sakho, Carlton Cole, Cherno Samba, Avram Grant and newly trained young people.

The event honoured the young people from across the UK who graduated from the the initiative this year.

On the day, The Duke attended a workshop on tolerance and team building, which was led by Jessica Cleaver and Abdul Ghafur previous FFP graduates. His Royal Highness then met the charity’s Footballing Ambassadors and students who took part in breaking down a wall with footballs in a message against hate and violence to support the Peace Wall Activity

18 SEP
2019
2019 - GLOBAL GIFT x FOOTBALL FOR PEACE
On the 5th April 2019, the Global Gift Gala hosted the Football For Peace Initiative Dinner at the Corinthia Hotel in London hosted by young Braydon Bent and TV star Jessica Wright.

The evening saw a whole host of stars from the worlds of football, music, fashion and television join together to raise funds and support both foundations.  Special guests included Katie Piper, Mamadou Sakho, Callum Wilson, Andy Carroll, Carlton Cole, Oumar Niasse, Adebayo Akinfenwa, Marlon Harewood, Everton Chairman Farhad Moshiri, Bournemouth Chairman Jeff Mostyn among many others, who all gathered to raise funds and make a difference in the lives of children and women around the world

The black-tie event took place at the Corinthia Hotel London, guests enjoyed a 3-course dinner accompanied by Taittinger champagne and D1 London spirits.

It was a truly spectacular evening featuring performances, dinner and a highly amusing auction for the charity which raised £250,000.

18 SEP
2019
2019 - BETTER WORLD AWARDS Cafe de Paris, Monte Carlo, Monaco,
On May 24th, Football for Peace were invited as special guests to the 9th Annual Better World Awards in Monaco. The Formula One Opening Gala was held at the Salle Empire , Hôtel De Paris , Casino Square , Monte Carlo , bringing together 25 countries , to celebrate individual humanitarians around the world.

On the night our co-founder Kash Siddiqi had the honour of receiving the Humanitarian Athlete Award.

18 SEP
2020
2020 - UN PEACE PANEL - WITH US STATE DEPARTMENT, MONACO & STATE OF QATAR
FFP hosted a joint symposium at the 74th United Nations General Assembly in New York on how we can unlock the power of football to tackle societal and environmental issues supported member countries, NFL PA, American Football Player Sam Acho, Soccer players Carli Lloyd and Oguchi Onyewu.

The panel opened up dialogue with Federations, communities, their leaders, clubs and players about how effective Football can be in tackling the globes most pressing issues.

18 SEP
2020
2020 - 74TH UN GENERAL ASSEMBLY - PEACE THROUGH FOOTBALL ADDRESS - ROOM 4
Hosted by former director of the UNOSDP office in New York Dr Djbril Diallo. Football for Peace co founder and young peace envoy – Braydon Bent spoke on the power of football at the at the Africa Open Summit where Presidents and Prime Ministers, Captains of Industry, and Young Leaders from Africa and the Diaspora addressed the Challenge of Climate Change and its impact on Health, Business, and the Empowerment of Women. Kashif Siddiqi and Braydon beta addressed the assembly on Football for Peace and its future plans to deliver global activations and using sports diplomacy to intervene
18 SEP
2020
2020- ESQUIRE MAGAZINE AWARDS One & Only, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, UAE
Esquire Middle East provides a definitive voice for affluent and educated men, dissecting the classic areas of any man’s existence – culture, lifestyle, world affairs, fashion, music, sport and more. Esquire’s role as a magazine and online home for the man in the Middle East is to highlights local issues and trends through interviews and investigative features, giving a platform to local achievers, whilst incorporating global content, thus ensuring the international reputation of the brand. Football is a game that has transcended the world like no other.

Whether you are in the deserts of Al-Ula or the foothills of the Himalayas chances are young kids will be likely kicking make-shift balls around for the sheer enjoyment of it. That is the starting point for the charity, Football For Peace and its leadership. Kashif Siddiqi and French Footballer Bacary Sagna were awarded for their contributions and mission with Football for Peace.

18 SEP
2020
2021- ESQUIRE MAGAZINE AWARDS One & Only, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, UAE
Esquire Middle East provides a definitive voice for affluent and educated men, dissecting the classic areas of any man’s existence – culture, lifestyle, world affairs, fashion, music, sport and more. Esquire’s role as a magazine and online home for the man in the Middle East is to highlights local issues and trends through interviews and investigative features, giving a platform to local achievers, whilst incorporating global content, thus ensuring the international reputation of the brand. Football is a game that has transcended the world like no other.

Whether you are in the deserts of Al-Ula or the foothills of the Himalayas chances are young kids will be likely kicking make-shift balls around for the sheer enjoyment of it. That is the starting point for the charity, Football For Peace and its leadership. Kashif Siddiqi and French Footballer Bacary Sagna were awarded for their contributions and mission with Football for Peace.

18 SEP
2021
2021- WEMBLEY STADIUM x PEACE Short term reaction during the Covid Crises with Aldi Supermarket to deliver 500,000 items of surplus food from Wembley to families in need
March 3rd, in partnership with Wembley Stadium’s caterer, Delaware North, and supported by six English football clubs – Liverpool FC, Everton FC, Aston Villa, Oxford United, Wycombe Wanderers and Sutton United – surplus food supplies from Wembley Stadium to families was delivered to those in need across the nation. Half a million food items were delivered, with help from Aldi Supermarket, through the week involving clubs, players and fans.

The campaign also has support from leading Football for Peace Ambassadors, including Adrian San Miguel, Marcus Bean and Shandon Baptiste.

18 SEP
2021
2021- PARTNERSHIP- DUBAI CARES x PEACE
We are delighted to announce Football for Peace and Dubai Cares are official partner, using the combined power of Football and Education to deliver a number of unique projects across Middle East and Africa.

HE Dr. Tariq Algurg , CEO and Vice-Chairman of Dubai Cares, Bacary Sagna, and Kash Siddiqi, came together at the official Football for Peace and Dubai Cares Virtual Signing Ceremony, chaired by @zaharammalik, to sign a long-term strategic partnership that will deliver fundraising and advocacy initiatives to promote education through the sport.

With the support of the UAE Ambassador to the UK, His Excellency Mansoor Abulhoul, USA Board Member Josh Norman, UK Board Member Louis Saha, and Dimitar Berbatov , we are excited to join hands in this global movement in serving youth and communities to build brighter futures.

18 SEP
2021
2021- FOOTBALL MOVES FASTER THAN POLITICS- A coalition effort to help evacuate Afghan youth footballers & families
On the 13th of September, Pakistan Government & UK Government work with Football for Peace to support safe passage for young female Afghanistani footballers for Asylum In The UK

Alongside the UK Home Office, No 10 Downing Street, Leeds United FC, The Pakistani Authorities and other partners FFP played a key role in the contribution of helping secure safe passage and asylum for the afghanistan youth football team and their families. The charity helped diplomatic the negotiations.

18 SEP
2021
2021- AMERICAN FOOTBALL x PEACE- NFL Cornerback joins Football for Peace
March 16, 2022, During the Miami Soccerex COnvention, Football for Peace were joined by High Tier NFL Cornerback Josh Norman.  The long heritage of delivering soccer-based programmes globally, will now unify American football and soccer to deliver a range of activations across the States in 2022. FFP is proud to announce former San Francisco 49ers Cornerback and founder of STARZ24 foundation, whose mission is to enrich the lives of children through financial, health, and educational support programs, as the first Founding Partner in the USA.
18 SEP
2021
2021- WORLD CUP WINNER x PEACE Mesut Ozil Football for Peace Centre Launched at University of Bradford
October 6, 2022, Mesut Ozil has joined forces with the Football Association and Football for Peace to launch a development centre to tackle inequlaites.

The University of Bradford will host the centre, which will “run football and life skill sessions” at League Two side Bradford’s training ground.

Former Real Madrid and Arsenal playmaker Ozil, who is of Turkish origin, was born in Gelsenkirchen in Germany.He went on to play 92 times for Germany and helped them win the 2014 World Cup.

As part of the All Stars Exhibition Game in Expo 2020 Dubai hosted by UEFA, FFP in partnership with Dubai Cares delivered a half time Peace Wall activity led by four international superstars, Patrice Evra, Michel Salgado, Bacary Sagna, and Samir Nasri along with other footballing icons,legends, celebrities, and VIPs.

The symbolic moment not only highlighted FFP and Dubai Cares Partnership, focussed on empowering young people through the power of football and education, but also pledge our efforts to put and end to put an end to #Inequality #Division#Poverty#Intolerance#Illiteracy

18 SEP
2022
2022- EXPO x PEACE WALL ACTIVITY
As part of the All Stars Exhibition Game in Expo 2020 Dubai hosted by UAE FA, FFP in partnership with Dubai Cares delivered a half time Peace Wall activity led by four international superstars, Patrice Evra, Michel Salgado, Bacary Sagna, and Samir Nasri along with other footballing icons,legends, celebrities, and VIPs.

The symbolic moment not only highlighted FFP and Dubai Cares Partnership, focussed on empowering young people through the power of football and education, but also pledge our efforts to put and end to put an end to #Inequality #Division #Poverty #Intolerance #Illiteracy

18 SEP
2022
2022- The Commonwealth x Football Association of Maldives x PEACE
June 4th, A Peace Tournament and workshops were delivered across the Maldives, in #MaleCity #EydhafushiIsland #AdduCity

Sessions for parents/guardians/sporting bodies and educators focussed on guidance and establishing a positive parent-coach relationship, and ways to support the development & well-being of young people and players.

Session for school football teams focussed on youth empowerment, offering unique perspectives on football leadership, teamwork, and respect for others.

The programme will put a special emphasis on strengthening the capacities of football professionals in developing and utilising effective tools in safeguarding programs to engage and influence some of the most vulnerable and hard-to-reach children and young people. The overarching theme is how football can be a force for good and a safe platform for everyone, with youngsters at its centre.

18 SEP
2022
2022- Arsenal and Everton team up in USA to support 'fantastic' Football for Peace
18th July, Arsenal and Everton went head-to-head in a friendly match in the USA on a pre season tour and also supported the local community programme. The Premier League teams met in Baltimore, Maryland, to raise funds to support the pre-season event
18 SEP
2022
2022- HUMANITARIAN FLOOD REACTION Short term Crises response to world's Worst water crisis with British Airways
14th June to October 2022,  The floods in Pakistan killed 1,739 people and 1 millions animals. More than 3,500km [2,175 miles] of roads were washed away and seventy-two districts of Pakistan were in calamity with all four corners of Pakistan underwater.

Working with British Airways, ECB and Sarwar Foundation, the charities humanitarian response was to send 12 tonnes of aid and sports equipment for youth to help support mental health and families left adrift through the devastating floods.

18 SEP
2022
2022- FIFA WORLD CUP SAUDI x PEACE WALL ACTIVITY
Under the High Patronage of H.R.H. Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, Saudi Sports Minister, FFP worked with the Saudi House, Saudi Football Federation & Ministry of Sport.

Together a education tech peace wall was launched for youth and guests to interact, play and learn about the water crises by kicking against adverse words and rehydrating the earth.

Ministry of Sport GM Hammad Albalawi , Former US Mens National Team captain Oguchi Onyewu , Former England striker Eni Aloka particated and also spoke on the power of Football.

2022- FIFA WORLD CUP SAUDI x PEACE WALL ACTIVITY
18 SEP
2022
2022- FIFA WORLD CUP QATAR x WATER EDUCATION- Generation Amazing Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy Workshops
GOAL 22 is the first-ever sport for development exchange programme that took place ahead of the historic FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™️, designed to ensure a lasting legacy through social responsibility after the Cup. As part of this, FFP were invited to host a special interactive workshop with high profile athletes and mentors to 64 youth from all participating countries on how they can tackle the the global water crisis.

Participants included,  Michael Chopra ,  BA SVP Sohail Ali ,  Josh Norman.

2022- FIFA WORLD CUP QATAR x WATER EDUCATION- Generation Amazing Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy Workshops

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