Football for understanding

Southwark Youth Clubs
experience the World Cup in Germany

It was the most exciting time of the year – the World Cup was played in Germany and for ten young people from Youth Clubs in Southwark, South London, their visit to their twin city Langenhagen - in their own words - became a 'trip of a lifetime'.

They received a very warm welcome from their hosts in Langenhagen Youth Club, who invited them to a barbeque, which was a great chance to sample the famous German Bratwurst and get to know each other better. The next day, the young Londoners played their hosts in a friendly football game and the teams exchanged footballs with signatures of all the players involved.

Together they enjoyed the World Cup football screenings on Waterlooplatz in the city centre of Hannover and took part in football tournaments with fans from all over the world. Adding to the excitement, one of the group members won a penalty competition and went live on national radio!

The atmosphere was so infectious that even the mayor of Southwark, Paul Kyriacou, who accompanied the group, painted his face red and white for the England vs. Sweden game. By the end of the trip, they all agreed that being part of a world event was a great experience and that they would love to welcome their new German friends in London very soon.

                                                                                                                                                      Games, goals and impressions of Germany – see the best pictures and players in our photo gallery.

What did the participants think?

"I’ve learnt to value mixing with people from different countries." Chris

"I thought the walk up to the Fanzone was tremendous – the sights, the atmosphere, the friendship. I also enjoyed scoring a goal!" Gal

"The Germans are very nice people and what I thought of them was wrong." Jermaine

“My favourite bit was meeting the people, as it gave me an insight into a German youth’s way of living.” Gary

"We walked down this mile path to the stadium and there were so many fans – it was amazing! I had maybe one of the best times of my life." Paris

“I learnt to make friends and how to meet new people.” David

"I got on very well with the German young people. I couldn't believe how friendly and hospitable they were. It would be good if some of the young Turkish people we met in Germany could come to London." Gal

"My favourite bit of the trip was watching the football at the Waterlooplatz in Hannover. I enjoyed meeting all the people there." Luke

"I learnt that German people are not as racist as I thought." Ashton

"Apart from the beautiful girls, whom we all loved, I enjoyed the trips to the Waterlooplatz. The atmosphere there made it an excellent experience." Daniel

"I think deep down I had some long-held reservations, but during this trip I have learnt not to assume or pre-judge anymore." Gal

"I liked going to Hannover and mixing with all the people from around the world." Chris

"I got on very well with the German young people. They got involved with us and made a lot of effort." Chris

"My favourite bit of the trip was watching the England and Sweden game on the big screen in Hannover, because I met many new people and made new friends." David

"I learnt to make friends and meet new people." David

"The best bit of the trip for me was playing football on the town square with all the other fans." Jordan

"I've learnt to act my age." Jordan

"I got on well with the German young people. I found many of them to be mature and friendly." Daniel

"I have learnt many German verbs and the trip has opened my eyes to the diversity of the world in which we live." Daniel