Spirit of Football is Alive and Kicking

The Takapuna Grammar School Sports Council and First XI Football teams had the privilege of meeting the amazing people behind the non-profit organization, Spirit of Football, in the build-up to the FIFA Women’s World Cup. Taking part in a workshop and training session, we found out about the ‘The Ball’. The Ball is football’s equivalent to the Olympic Torch, travelling to over 20 different countries. Every four years, it kicks off from Battersea Park, London, where the very first game of modernrules football took place its destination was the opening ceremony of the World Cup. For the first time ever, The Ball has travelled with the FIFA Women’s World Cup instead of the FIFA Men’s World Cup.

The Ball unites people within nations and across borders with a common call to action: one ball, one world. These calls to action are solidified through signing the ball and making actionable pledges to support the sustainable development of our communities. So far, there have been over 10,000 signatures!

The Ball adds value to a cause that simultaneously extends community reach, enhances identity and promotes action so each World Cup journey develops around a central theme and reveals the ability of football to transcend boundaries, borders and stereotypes. The theme for the 2023 World Cup is equality, with the goal to fight for anyone to participate in football, regardless of gender, race, faith, talent, sexual orientation or intellectual capacity: The Ball is for all.

Student’s were able to engage with The Ball, head it, sign it, kick it and help it along its way with a personal pledge. We thank the Spirit of Football for letting us be a part of football history!

BY YEAR 13 MAIA SCOTT