Words by Cheyanne Bryan
In anticipation of the upcoming home match at Emirates Stadium, The Arsenal Foundation and Save the Children have unveiled a captivating photo series that delves into the profound connection between football and the concept of 'home' for children in diverse settings.
Through engaging captain's armband design sessions, children from North London and Za'atari refugee camp in Jordan were given a platform to express their personal interpretations of 'home'.
In Za'atari, a sprawling refugee camp accommodating approximately 80,000 people, with over half being children, the initiative was led by coaches from Arsenal's Coach Development Programme as part of 'Coaching for Life'. This football program aims to enhance the mental and physical well-being of children affected by the Syrian conflict. Meanwhile, in North London, the session was integrated into The Arsenal Double Club, an innovative educational initiative that merges football and learning to support primary school children in Hackney, Islington, and Camden.
During the sessions, children in London were presented with the designs created by their counterparts in Jordan, fostering a sense of global connection and empathy. The diverse representations of 'home' showcased in the armbands underscore the significance of providing safe environments and positive role models for children. Some designs depicted physical spaces like football pitches, while others utilised words to convey emotions and sentiments.
Through this collaborative project, The Arsenal Foundation and Save the Children aim to shed light on the universal significance of 'home' and the transformative power of football in fostering resilience, well-being, and a sense of belonging among children from different backgrounds.
At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this article.
The Arsenal Foundation. This foundation uses the influence of football and the Arsenal brand to motivate and assist youth in North London and worldwide. Learn more here.
Save the Children. This is a global organisation dedicated to improving the lives of children in need around the world. Find out more here.
Shelter. This charity provides vital support to those facing homelessness and housing insecurity with a keen mission in helping individuals find stability and security. Support them here.
