Streetkick unites EURO fans

Touring Switzerland and Austria
Streetkick, an inflatable, portable street football game, is touring Switzerland and Austria for the duration of the tournament as part of the Football Against Racism in Europe (FARE) network's Unite Against Racism initiative. Run by British members Football Unites, Racism Divides (FURD), and German partners Dem Ball egal is egal wer in tritt e.V. (DBE), Streetkick will provide the campaign with one of its most visible and engaging elements.

Dream come true
Streetkick will encourage fans from all nations to participate in small-sided games within its inflatable walls. The game will tour major venues in both nations. The Streetkick team, whose members come from all manner of ethnically diverse backgrounds, will be on hand to distribute information on anti-racism in football. Somalian-born Ahmed Mohammed, is one of them: "I love football and it's brilliant being able to combine it with an anti-racism message," he said. "I can remember watching the European Championship when I was a kid and I can't believe I'm going. It's a dream come true."

Third appearance
After debuting at UEFA EURO 2004™ in Portugal and then at the FIFA World Cup in Germany two years ago, this summer's tournament will mark Streetkick's third appearance at a major international competition. FURD's Howard Holmes is delighted with its continuous involvement, saying: "The StreetKick game simply goes from strength to strength. We've added a music system this year to help 'up' its celebratory atmosphere. It remains a great tool in bringing together people in a celebratory atmosphere through a common love of the game." The game will connect fans by allowing them to play football in an environment of harmony, respect and fun. A multilingual exhibition from FARE will travel with the Streetkick team, too.

Geneva event
FARE's Streetkick tour of UEFA EURO 2008™ host cities got underway with a well-attended event at the Place du Rhone, next door to the Geneva Fan Embassy. The game proved popular with Portuguese and Turkish fans in the build-up to their Group A clash at the Stade de Genève on Saturday. The team from FURD, together with LICRA Suisse were relieved to see the rain finally cease in time to prepare the game in time for the big kick-off.

Catch the Streetkick at the following locations:

Geneva
6 - 13 June, Place du Rhone
11 June, Match: Czech Republic v Portugal, Place du Rhone
14 June, Place de Plain Palaise
15 June, Match: Czech Republic v Turkey, Place de Plain Palaise

Klagenfurt
8 - 12 June, Fancamp Klagenfurt

Match days Klagenfurt
12 June, Match: Croatia v Germany

Organiser: Robert Korb, T: ++43 676 954 81 47

Innsbruck
14 - 18 June, Landestheater

Match Days Innsbruck
14 June, Match: Sweden v Spain
18 June, Match: Greece v Spain

Organiser: Bella Bello Bitugu, T:++43 650 683 18 42

Salzburg
14 June, Match: Greece v Russia, Fanmeile Seekrichen
15 June, Fanmeile Sekirchen
16 June, Fan camp Salzburg
17 June, Children and Youthcenter Lehen, Schumacher Straße
18 June, Match: Greece v Spain, Children and Youthcenter Lehen, Schumacher Straße

Organiser: Wolfgang Drechsler, T: +43 699 105 56 420

Vienna
20 June - 26 June, MuseumsQuartier/Mariahilferstraße

20 June, Goals for one World, 14.30 - 17.00

23 and 24 June, Minischüler Liga

25 June. Exhibition, New African Football Academy

Organiser: Markus Pinter, FairPlay-vidc, T: +43 1 713 35 94-93

Unite Against Racism
The Unite Against Racism campaign at UEFA EURO 2008™ is carried out by the FARE network in partnership with UEFA and with support of the international players union FIFPro.

Full details in English, German, French and Italian are available on www.FAREnet.org.