Training course: Social inclusion through sport

Champions Factory is organising a training course on the topic of social inclusion through sport for 30 youth workers, to take place in Blagoevgrad, Bulgaria 27 October - 2 November 2014. Application deadline: 15 September.


The training course is going to transmit concrete knowledge and develop key competences on the use of sport as a tool for social inclusion.

Target group: Youth workers/leaders, aged 18-35, from Bulgaria, Romania, Italy, Cyprus, Hungary, Slovakia, Georgia, Moldova, Ukraine, Turkey, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus.

The working language of the course is English.

The objectives of the training are:

• To increase the knowledge, acquire new knowledge and experience of using sport as a tool for social inclusion of minority groups, people with disabilities, refugees, Roma communities, children deprived of parental care
• To clarify the challenges that sport is facing as a tool for integration in terms of content and methodology, as an informal process
• To clarify the potential of sport as a tool for bringing together people, regardless of their age, sex, origin, financial status, etc.
• To facilitate the integration of risk groups in society to promote mutual understanding and intercultural dialogue through sport
• To establish a network of experts (youth leaders, social workers and teachers) working with people from disadvantaged groups
• To encourage the development of further ERASMUS + projects related to social inclusion of endangered social groups

Costs:

• Accommodation and meals will be fully covered by the organisers
• Travel costs will be reimbursed according to ERASMUS+ guide (see the Info pack)
• Participation fee: 30 EUR

How to apply
Please apply for this training course through the SALTO-YOUTH website.

Contact
Ms. Shirin Amin
Website: http://www.championsfactory.bg
E-Mail: shirinamin8@gmail.com
Phone: +359899080808

Fellowship opportunities at the U.S. Soccer Foundation

The U.S. Soccer Foundation is seeking two fellows: one to work in its development team and one to assist its programmes department.

Development fellowship description
The U.S. Soccer Foundation seeks a fellow to assist its development team. Reporting to the associate development manager, this position will help execute fundraising events that include the 20th Anniversary Gala. The development fellow will also assist with prospecting foundation and corporate partners, as well as developing stewardship reports for such partners. The ideal candidate will have an interest in event planning and learning about non-profit fundraising. He/She will be given the opportunity to learn a variety of different fundraising skills as well as gain exposure to the interworking of a non-profit organisation. Soccer experience is helpful but not necessary.

Responsibilities:
1. Events

• Helping Foundation staff implement Foundation events locally and nationally
• Communicating with outside vendors concerning provision of services for events
• Working with marketing/communications team to prepare event-related materials, including postcards, invitations, reply cards, and other promotional materials
• Writing attendee bios for each event
• Helping to coordinate event staffing, ensuring adequate coverage 

2. Individual Donors

• Assist in the creation of campaign materials
• Assist in the creation and distribution of stewardship reports

3. Foundations and corporations

• Assist in the prospecting of potential foundation and corporate partners
• Assist in drafting proposals that will be submitted to foundation partners

Qualifications:

• Excellent communication skills, including writing and proofreading skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects and work assignments with a wide range of staff and volunteers
• Ability to work in a fast pace environment
• Must be available to work evenings/weekends
• Must be available to travel as required
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, mail merges, e-mail and web searches
• Experience with Salesforce (CRM) is a plus
• A bachelor’s degree is preferred

Visit the U.S. Soccer Foundation website for the full job description


Programmes and grants fellowship description
The U.S. Soccer Foundation seeks a full-time fellow to assist its programmes department with Soccer for Success, Safe Places to Play, the Urban Soccer Symposium, and Passback. Reporting to the U.S. Soccer Foundation programmes manager, this selected individual will have the opportunity to learn a variety of different programmatic skills while assisting with the implementation of different U.S. Soccer Foundation programmes.

Responsibilities:
1. Urban Soccer Symposium

• Conduct attendee outreach
• Field Symposium inquiries
• Support coordination of event content and logistics

2. Soccer for Success measurement and evaluation

• Supervise participant and coach data input
• Prepare analysis of participant and coach data
• Support salesforce trainings and customer service

3. Soccer for Success training and technical assistance

• Support planning of national coaches training and training of the trainers
• Support coordination of local training content and logistics
• Coordinate the evaluation of local trainings
• Assist with the execution of the video trainings
• Support on-going programmatic technical assistance
• Prepare the evaluation of site visits

4. Soccer for Success curriculum

• Compile and prepare e-curriculum (and hard copy) revisions
• Support coordination of mentorship and family/community engagement content

5. Assistance where needed

• Passback programme correspondence
• Annual grants execution and application process
• Soccer for Success expansion logistics
• Fundraising events logistics

Qualifications:

• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to manage multiple projects and work assignments with a wide range of staff
• Self-starter, exhibiting a strong work ethic, ability to maximise work with minimal supervision
• Strong oral, written, research, and interpersonal skills
• Exhibit a positive behavior and attitude, and model a mature and professional demeanor
• Organised, detail-oriented thinker, with the ability to think critically and analytically
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook
• Experience with CRM platforms is a plus
• Basic knowledge of and/or interest in youth development programming are a plus
• Basic knowledge of and/or interest in soccer are a plus
• A bachelor’s degree is preferred

Visit the U.S. Soccer Foundation website for the full job description


How to apply
To apply, please send your resume, cover letter, writing sample, and at least 2 references to jobs@ussoccerfoundation.org noting the position name in the subject line. In your cover letter, please indicate the dates you are available.

About the U.S. Soccer Foundation
The U.S. Soccer Foundation, the Major Charitable Arm of Soccer in the United States, was established in 1994. The Foundation has awarded more than $60 million in grants, and other financial support, to hundreds of soccer projects and programmes throughout the United States. Using soccer as a vehicle for youth development and social change, the Foundation seeks to improve the health and well-being of children in urban underserved areas. The Foundation’s headquarters are located in Washington

• Visit the U.S. Soccer Foundation website 

Internship Opportunities with the Football Foundation of South Africa

The Football Foundation is now accepting applications for three six-month internships that will take place from January-June of 2015 in South Africa. Deadline to Apply: 12 September 2014. We are also accepting applications for the June-December 2015 period. Deadline to Apply: rolling

The Football Foundation is based in Gansbaai, in the Western Cape of South Africa. The organisation, which is a flagship programme of the Grootbos Foundation, was founded in 2008 to promote sports and social development in an area of the country that typically has high unemployment rates and fewer educational, recreational and developmental resources and opportunities.

The Football Foundation runs football, netball, hockey and athletics training sessions in Gansbaai, Stanford and Hermanus, which engage 500 different young people every week. In addition to these sessions, the Foundation runs programmes centered around HIV education, female empowerment, the environment, proper nutrition, enterprise development and integration.

Football Foundation interns work full-time and are vital to the success and further development of the organisation.

Communications and PR Intern 

• Heighten awareness and increase excitement of FF’s programmes locally and globally through management of the website and other social media sites
• Produce consistent written work and visual projects which can be distributed online or in person
• Foster and solidify new partnerships that will inspire more interest and publication of FF’s work

Coach and Sports Management Intern

• Provide support and feedback to our sport coaches and volunteers
• Oversee the development of coaches and the delivery of social messages

Research and Impact Intern

• Pursue crucial case studies and community surveys for analysis
• Maintain the monitoring and evaluation (M&E) system
• Provide feedback regarding community trends

We are seeking interns who have:

• Completed or are in pursuit of a B.A or B.S. degree (or higher).
• Demonstrated an interest in international development and sport.
• An ability to work independently and creatively, as well as in a team.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• An open mind and are flexible and enthusiastic.

To apply
If interested, please send your resume/CV and a cover letter to mollie@footballfoundation.co.za by 12 September. Applications for the mid-June to mid-December period will be accepted on a rolling basis.

• Download the full job descriptions

Intern with sportanddev

www.sportanddev.org seeks a native English speaking intern for a six-month internship with the Operating Team in Biel/Bienne, Switzerland. Deadline: 14 September 2014.

The International Platform on Sport and Development – www.sportanddev.org – is seeking a native English speaker to assist the Operating Team in updating the Platform.

The International Platform on Sport and Development, or ‘sportanddev’, is run by the Operating Team based at the Swiss Academy for Development in Biel/Bienne, Switzerland.

The Swiss Academy for Development (SAD) is a non-profit organisation, conducting research and operational projects in developing countries on social change. One of SAD’s main areas of focus is on sport and development. To find out more about SAD, please click here.

Internship
The internship is for a period of six months and is based at the Swiss Academy for Development, in Biel/Bienne, Switzerland.

The internship period runs from November 2014 - April 2015.

Candidates are expected to be very familiar with www.sportanddev.org and to have an active interest in web-based communications and internet-based technologies.

This is a full-time, paid internship (1’000 CHF gross per month).

The intern will be required to work a 40 hour week from Monday to Friday at SAD's head office in Biel/Bienne, Switzerland. Core office hours are 9:00-17:00. Candidates seeking home-based working conditions need not apply.

Job description
You will be responsible for updating sportanddev’s News & Views section by producing and/or editing news articles and adding events to the online agenda. You will be responsible for assisting the Operating Team with animating and moderating the community areas of sportanddev and responding to queries and feedback from the community. You will be responsible for maintaining sportanddev’s social networking presence (Facebook, YouTube, Twitter and Flickr).

You will be expected to take part in team meetings and to assist with various other activities within the organisation.

Person specification

Essential:

• Native English speaker
• Excellent writing skills
• Educated to degree level
• Keen, demonstrable interest in web-based communications and internet-based technologies
• Academic background in either international development cooperation, political science, sociology, anthropology, sport management, sport science or any other related fields
• Related work experience

Desirable:

• Volunteering or work experience within a non-profit is an advantage
• Familiarity with the field of sport and development is an advantage
• Knowledge of other languages (French, Spanish and/or German) is an advantage

Candidates must have the right to live and work in Switzerland for the full duration of the internship period, prior to applying for this position.

Deadline for applications is 14 September 2014.

How to apply
Please submit your application to Mr. Stephen Reynard, project manager of www.sportanddev.org. Email: reynard@sad.ch

Your application MUST include:

• Your CV
• A cover letter explaining how you can contribute to sportanddev, based on your knowledge, interests and skills
• A 200-250 word writing sample in English of which you are the sole author

All documents must be submitted in either Word or PDF formats. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

• For more information about this position, please contact Stephen Reynard by email reynard@sad.ch

Youth Sport Trust is seeking a campaign coordinator

Youth Sport Trust is seeking a part-time campaign coordinator to join its policy and communications team based in London. Application deadline: 10 am, 2 September 

For almost 20 years the Youth Sport Trust (YST) has been devoted to transforming young people’s lives through sport. Next year they are launching a high-profile campaign to help further their mission. The campaign co-ordinator will help develop and deliver a wide ranging campaign strategy as a member of the policy & communications team.

The role
Working 2 or 3 days per week the campaign coordinator will help shape and support the delivery of a number of campaign assets, including print, film, digital, social media, policy and event projects. He/she will develop colloborative relationships with colleagues and work closely with third party partners to manage briefs and oversee implementation. He/she will be responsible for creating and managing the overall communications project plan, identifying actions and milestones as well as ensuring elements are efficiently planned and produced. He/she will also ensure campaign budgets are effectively managed.

The ideal candidate
Having worked in a similar charity or public sector campaign project management or co-ordination role, he/she will have developed a good understanding of communications and PR and be comfortable writing and editing content. As strong communicator, he/she will have the ability to advise on campaigning tactics to best influence audiences and engage a variety of stakeholders, including parliamentarians. Technically strong, he/she will have a good understanding of digital tools, especially social media. He/she will have controlled budgets and delivered projects to deadline, as well as monitored success and evaluated effectiveness.

The YST is a passionate and forward-thinking organisation full of committed professionals. As a member of the team the campaign coordinator will feel very much part of YST's mission and will experience fun, challenge and fulfilment in the role.

How to apply
To apply for this role please select 'Apply for this job' on YST website and complete an online application.

Interview date: 10 September in London

• Visit the Youth Sport Trust website for more information on the position

Cardiff City FC is seeking a social inclusion project manager

The Community & Education Foundation of Cardiff City FC is now recruiting a social inclusion manager. Application deadline: 1 September

Cardiff City FC Community & Education Foundation is seeking to employ a qualified professional tutor to provide high quality classroom delivery, sports coaching and physical activity for adults and young people across South Wales.

Are you a qualified tutor who takes satisfaction from providing an activity that participants love, enjoy and learn something from? Would you like the opportunity to influence somebody’s life through the medium of education and sport in the hope that it has a positive impact and continues to do so throughout their lifetime? Are you interested in working within a dynamic work environment where the challenges and demands differ from one day to the next?

The social inclusion manager is a member of the Social Inclusion Department at Cardiff City FC Community & Education Foundation working closely with local authorities, sports governing bodies, schools and sports clubs, with the aim to increase education and participation, support talent and provide an opportunity for young people to develop using sport as a vehicle.

Purpose of job

• To lead on the development and delivery of alternative curriculum programmes to a wide range of ages and abilities in and around the City of Cardiff
• To ensure quality assurance procedures are followed across all areas of programme, and with growth and development in mind

Tasks

• Delivery of outcome and enrichment based lessons/activities to learners of a variety of ages from varying social and educational backgrounds
• Development of suitable session/lesson resources including: lesson plans, schemes of work, registers and data capture forms for projects offered
• Work closely with key partners and funders to fulfil the requirements of both restricted and unrestricted funding
• Work closely with caseworkers, social workers and other groups to provide updates on learner attendance, progress and behaviour
• Provide project updates and reports to satisfy the needs of key partners, funders and the Foundation management, as well as the senior management team at specific milestones within the project, or as and when requested
• Utilise an appropriate file sharing system where staff and management can access appropriate lesson plans, schemes of work and elements of good practice
• Utilise the Views platform (Substance) to record required project data to assist in the production of reports and project updates
• Oversee, report and resolve any issues encountered with the social inclusion manager
• Attend training and relevant continuing professional development sessions to develop knowledge and skills beneficial to the job role
• Attend regular departmental meetings to provide updates to line manager
• Ensure quality assurance procedures are followed and implemented across all projects delivered
• Positively contribute towards the achievement of departmental key performance indicators under the guidance of the social inclusion manager
• Will be required to regularly work in a supervisory role with children and other vulnerable groups

Additional information
This isn’t a 9.00 am-5.00 pm job, so commitment, passion and a love of knowing that you will make a difference is going to be vital to your success within this role. In return you will receive outstanding opportunities for long-term career development, competitive salary, holiday allowance along with the satisfaction of working for a charity that genuinely changes lives.

This post is subject to an enhanced disclosure and barring service (DBS) check and validation of references.

How to apply
If you are interested and can demonstrate you have the necessary skills and experience outlined above, please send your full CV and covering letter to Richard Archer, Cardiff City House of Sport 2, Clos Parc Morgannwg, Leckwith, Cardiff, CF11 8AW or email to richard.archer@cardiffcityfc.co.uk

Vacancy for inclusive activity coach – S4S Zimbabwe

S4S

Sport 4 Socialisation is recruiting a volunteer inclusive activity coach to work with children and families living with disability in Zimbabwe.

From the Eastern border Town of Mutare in Zimbabwe, S4S works to improve the lives of children with disabilities and their families. We support them through adapted and inclusive physical activities, life skills programmes, physiotherapy, education, healthcare, parent support and livelihood development. Over 700 children and their families are currently supported through this programme.

Inclusive activity coach
For the adapted and inclusive physical activity programme S4S is looking for a volunteer who would like to work with us in Zimbabwe. Your job will be both on and off the field. A couple of times a week you will join our coaches in the schools where we run an adapted physical activity programme for children with disabilities. Every afternoon you will join them into the communities in which we run an all-inclusive programme. Both children with and without disabilities take part in this and progress through a life skills and HIV prevention
programme. You furthermore can be a part of the more competitive wheelchair basketball training! You will be assisting with the planning, implementation and evaluation of all these activities.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and monitor the implementation of the community and the institutional adapted and inclusive physical activity programmes including the life skills and HIV/AIDS prevention curriculum
• Oversee the implementation of activities by the S4S coaches and provide mentorship and training
• Organise teacher training workshops and evaluations
• Liaise with local primary schools
• Co-organise special events and teams for the Paralympic Games
• Maintain a link with S4S’ education, healthcare and parent support programmes

Profile
Qualifications:

• Bachelor degree in Sport Management, (Adapted) Physical Education or related field.

Desired experience:

• Mainstreaming disability and organising inclusive sport activities for children
• Curriculum development for inclusive programmes
• Sport coaching of children with disabilities and supervising multiple coaches
• Working, volunteering or studying abroad, preferably in a developing country

Desired skills:

• Good knowledge of the English language, both verbal and in writing
• Good knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook
• Understanding of sport as a tool to address health, social and educational issues
• Understanding of disability related issues
• Non-profit experience
• Ability to work independently as well as in a team
• Minimum 21 years of age

Period
The position is available any time from September 2014 for a maximum of 3 months.

Salary
This position is a voluntary position. S4S does cover airport pick up from Harare International Airport to Mutare (return), good accommodation and a weekly food allowance. The applicant is responsible for own airfare, travel insurance, visa and costs for personal trips.

Applications
Application letter and CV can be emailed to office@sport4socialisation.org. Application letters should clearly state why the applicant is interested to work with S4S in Zimbabwe and how past experience relates to this position.

Manchester United Foundation: Project coordinator- Volunteering

The Manchester United Foundation is recruiting a project coordinator to be located at Old Trafford. Deadline to apply: 29 August 2014

Description
The Manchester United Foundation works in some of the most disadvantaged areas across Greater Manchester, using the passion for Manchester United to educate, motivate and inspire. We deliver a number of different programmes in football and alternative activities with the aim of taking Manchester United to the heart of the community, so young people can reach their full potential.

We have an exciting new opportunity for a Project Coordinator to join us on a permanent, full time basis.

The successful candidate will co-ordinate the day to day running of the Volunteer Ninety Nine programme in partnership with the project’s key stakeholders and in accordance with the strategic direction of MU Foundation. They will work closely with a range of local partners to identify potential young people to take up volunteering opportunities and be responsible for the monitoring and evaluation of information for Volunteer Ninety Nine and to ensure that information is being uploaded into the MU Foundation monitoring database.

The successful candidate will have relevant experience with a background in volunteering/charity work, social inclusion or youth work and a passion for and interest in Football. Strong administration skills and outstanding communication skills are key to this role.

Due to this post being in regulated activity, the potential employee will be required to undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check at the appropriate level. It is a criminal offence for a barred person to attempt to engage with vulnerable groups.

Job Description

Rate of Pay and Benefits
Salary offered will be commensurate with relevant experience and the level of responsibility undertaken in the post. Benefits include (subject to certain eligibility criteria) membership of the Group Pension Scheme, up to 25 days paid annual leave and an Occupational Sickness Scheme.

Purpose
To co-ordinate all MU Foundation community volunteering opportunities, develop, deliver and coordinate MU Foundation’s Volunteer Ninety Nine project and support the development of individual volunteers through the programme.

Key Responsibilities

• To co-ordinate the day to day running of the Volunteer Ninety Nine programme in partnership with the project’s key stakeholders and in accordance with the strategic direction of MU Foundation.
• To work closely with a range of local partners including colleagues, partner schools and colleges, local authorities, Youth Service, Youth Offending Team (YOT), housing authorities, health and education services and any other relevant local partners to identify potential young people to take up volunteering opportunities.
• To be responsible for the monitoring and evaluation of information for Volunteer Ninety Nine and to ensure that information is being uploaded into the MU Foundation monitoring database.
• To maintain regular communication with the project manager about project progress, financial needs, monitoring and evaluation, and training needs for project staff and volunteers.
• Visit the MU Foundation website for further details

Customer Service
Identify and meet the needs of colleagues and our internal and external customers, focusing on initiating and welcoming contact and communication whilst striving to deliver first class customer service.

Recognise potential complaint situations and make effective steps to report, avoid and/or resolve these situations.

Self Development
To undertake any necessary internal or external training sessions in accordance with the Company’s Performance and Development Review Policy and to take personal responsibility to seek opportunities to develop yourself and to realise your own potential.

Team Work
Ensure effective communication within your work team and actively offer support and guidance as necessary.

Security / Stock Control
Ensure compliance with all of the Company’s security, stock control, loss prevention and key holder procedures.

Equal opportunities and Harassment
Ensure understanding, awareness and compliance with the Company’s Equal Opportunities and Harassment Policies.

Hours of work
The employee is required to work the hours, on a flexible basis, necessary to carry out the full range of duties and responsibilities of the post.

Manchester United Limited is an Equal Opportunities Employer and recognises the importance of safeguarding children and vulnerable adults in our work place.

Internship at Peace and Sport

Peace and Sport is currently looking for a communications assistant and community manager for a six-month internship period to join its team in the Principality of Monaco. Start date: as soon as possible


The role
Build Peace and Sport’s profile within online communities:

• Community/social media management (Facebook, Twitter etc.) and development of new networks (YouTube, Pinterest etc.) with a view to expanding organisation’s influence and engaging the general public
• Identify online communities or individuals that could influence brand positioning (bloggers, discussion forums, Facebook pages, Twitter accounts etc.)
• Upload content to different networks (information, debates, photos, videos, news, partners’ information, competitions etc.)
• Contribute to building community values: culture, social and linguistic conventions etc.

Support the development of communication strategy:

• Draw up communication plans for different projects
• Help evaluate communication tools and suggest improvements
• Liaise with webmaster and graphic designers on communication projects
• Boost the organisation’s online presence and visibility
• Draft newsletters, press releases, articles, mailings, talking points etc.
• Develop graphics proposals
• Manage production of written communication tools during the Peace and Sport International Forum (Event Guide and Forum Report)
• Carry out internet watch for media coverage of Peace and Sport
• Build press kits

Assist the Champions for Peace department:

• Gather information to update and develop existing Champions for Peace database (creation of detailed personal profiles for each Champion for Peace)
• Ensure effective promotion of Peace and Sport on the Champions for Peace network: update Champion for Peace Wikipedia pages, check references to Peace and Sport on their websites and social networks
• Follow sports news in general and news on current Champions for Peace in particular in order to be responsive to news, suggest relevant projects and identify new candidates for the Champions for Peace group
• Establish task-tracking schedules for active Champions for Peace
• Research activities carried out at competitor organisations in terms of sports ambassadors: programmes, image, fundraising etc.

The ideal candidate 
Required skills and experience:

• Self-starter, responsive and passionate about sports and new information and communication technologies
• Good knowledge of the peace through sport movement: socio-cultural environment, key players, discussion platforms etc.
• Proficiency in new communication media: internet, social media (Facebook, Twitter, blogs etc.)
• Proficiency in research and media watch techniques to identify relevant information, launch debates and analyse feedback (qualitative surveys etc.)
• Knowledge of content management tools (WordPress, YouTube, Dailymotion etc.) and statistical monitoring tools (Google Analytics or Xiti)
• Basic knowledge of HTML and photo/image re-editing

Desired attributes:

• Curious and investigative nature; ability to identify innovative subjects to stimulate the community and encourage members’ participation
• Good writing and communication skills
• Advanced analytical skills and ability to summarise
• Creativity and an eye for developing content (sections, themes, display etc.) and the communication tools in general (user-friendliness, functionality)

Educational background:

• Studying or recently completed undergraduate/postgraduate degree in social sciences (namely literature, arts, history, sociology etc.) with specialisation in communication (preferably online)
• Advanced training in political sciences institute or business school, with specialisation in communication (preferably online)
• Studies at a communications, marketing, PR or journalist school (such as CELSA, EFAP and ISCOM in France and ISERP in the US)

Additional information
Remuneration: 700€/month plus travel expenses
Holiday allowance: Two days/month
Contact:  Laurent Dupont – Brand Development Director – ld@peace-sport.org and Ana-Luz Thirifays – International Development Manager – at@peace-sport.org

Call for participants - Sport employs YOUrope

Sport employs YOUrope is an initiative with the goal to explore European galaxies of partnership to enhance youth employment and entrepreneurship in sport. Now all who are interested can take part in it by filling in its questionnaire and applying to participate in its seminar.

All around Europe, countries are worried when it comes to youth employability. Combating youth unemployment should be a top priority to securing a positive future for young people.

One contribution is provided by a group of sport- and socio-cultural organisations. With the support of the Youth in Action Programme of the European Union, they present a Europe-wide initiative that promotes youth-employment in and through the sport sector and highlights the transferable skills that sport can develop. The project foresees several actions to raise awareness on opportunities of employment for young people across Europe:

• Questionnaire on skills acquired in sports (click here to participate)
• Seminar “Sport Employs YOUrope - recognise non-formal education in sport to fight youth unemployment” in Italy, Rome, 1 to 5 October 2014 (see the downloads for the application form and background information pack)
• National youth-led campaigns on non-formal education in sports as a tool to fight youth employment (from 10 October 2014 to 31 January 2015)
• Toolkit to support national project actions

Invitation to participate: 2014 Global Peace Games for Children and Youth

All organisations and communities are invited to be part of the Global Peace Games for Children and Youth which are held on or around the United Nations International Day of Peace, 21 September. This unique grassroots civil society event has been held annually since 2001. We hope you will participate in 2014!

The Games are an opportunity for young people all over the world to demonstrate their commitment to make the world a better and healthier place and to express their solidarity in the mission of global friendship, peaceful solutions and non-violence.

All sports can take part in this event, not only soccer/football. Registration is free and all activities that contribute to the themes of the Games are encouraged. The themes of the Games support the goals of the United Nations. They educate about and show support for peaceful solutions and aim to build global friendship and understanding. They support the improvement of human life, as outlined in the United Nations Millennium Development Goals. The Games recognise and demonstrate the value of sport to:

• Unite, motivate, inspire and educate
• Encourage peaceful solutions and cultural understanding
• Teach essential values such as cooperation and respect
• Promote life-long health and social skills
• Improve health and well-being
• Strengthen links between children and adults
• Contribute to the development of communities

A special message from the United Nations Special Adviser on Sport for Development and Peace will be sent to all registered participants. All children and youth can sign the UNESCO Manifesto for a Culture of Peace and Nonviolence and engage in the Nobel Handshake for Peace. A Certificate of Participation is prepared for all organisations along with the compiled Global Report on the Games.

Who can take part in the Games?
Participation in the Games is free and open to all who wish to take part. Communities, civil society organisations and governments are invited to organise and enjoy the Games and events in their own countries and locations, limited only by their own local constraints of financing, organising and planning capacity. Different organisations can hold multiple Games in the same country at different sites. Participating communities and organisations select their own sites.

How to register
Register now by sending your registration information (see the attached document) to PLAY SOCCER Nonprofit International. If you have any questions or need to obtain information in French or Spanish, please contact Play Soccer Nonprofit International at psni@playsoccer-nonprofit.org. Instructions and more information about the Games are also attached and the report on last year’s 2013 Global Peace Games for Children and Youth and the Certificate of Participation are available for reference on www.playsoccer-nonprofit.org.

Football People small grants launched

The 2014 small grants scheme has been launched by the Fare network to fund activities as part of the Football People action weeks in October.

The two-week period brings together thousands of groups to celebrate diversity in football and counter intolerance and exclusion.

The Football People small grants offer financial support of up to €400 to fund activities at local and regional level that tackle discrimination, promote social inclusion and bring people of different communities together through sport.

Fare Executive Director, Piara Powar said: “Through the small grants scheme, Fare is looking to encourage and help groups across Europe take action against exclusion. The activities funded by these grants are a significant element of the Football People weeks that helps the smallest gear roots groups to fight discrimination and celebrate diversity.”

In 2013, around 250 grants were awarded in 42 countries, a total of €83,800 was allocated in grants. Successful groups will join the thirteen Event Grants awarded groups to put on significant events.

Funding for activities
The grants support local level activities, including the production of campaigning materials (banners, flyers, fanzines), the production of fan choreographies and flags, the organisation of anti-discrimination workshops, amongst other things.

The scheme is open for applications from 1 August - 7 September 2014. Activities must be implemented during the Football People weeks period, between 9 - 23 October 2014.

Applying for a small grant
The scheme supports unfunded groups such as fans organisations, ethnic minority groups, schools and LGBT rights groups to help them run direct activities in their community, stadium or town.

To apply, applicants are advised to carefully read the criteria and fill out the application form. All applicants will be informed on whether their application was successful or not in the second half of September.

Action weeks
The Football People weeks are open to everyone. Spontaneous activities are welcome and Fare funding is not required for groups to participate in the movement.

In 2013, over 1,500 actions were held across Europe and beyond in a unique and unified stand against all forms of discrimination in football.

Invitation to participate: 2014 Global Peace Games for Children and Youth

All organisations and communities are invited to be part of the Global Peace Games for Children and Youth which are held on or around the United Nations International Day of Peace, 21 September. This unique grassroots civil society event has been held annually since 2001. We hope you will participate in 2014!

The Games are an opportunity for young people all over the world to demonstrate their commitment to make the world a better and healthier place and to express their solidarity in the mission of global friendship, peaceful solutions and non-violence.

All sports can take part in this event, not only soccer/football. Registration is free and all activities that contribute to the themes of the Games are encouraged. The themes of the Games support the goals of the United Nations. They educate about and show support for peaceful solutions and aim to build global friendship and understanding. They support the improvement of human life, as outlined in the United Nations Millennium Development Goals. The Games recognise and demonstrate the value of sport to:

• Unite, motivate, inspire and educate
• Encourage peaceful solutions and cultural understanding
• Teach essential values such as cooperation and respect
• Promote life-long health and social skills
• Improve health and well-being
• Strengthen links between children and adults
• Contribute to the development of communities

A special message from the United Nations Special Adviser on Sport for Development and Peace will be sent to all registered participants. All children and youth can sign the UNESCO Manifesto for a Culture of Peace and Nonviolence and engage in the Nobel Handshake for Peace. A Certificate of Participation is prepared for all organisations along with the compiled Global Report on the Games.

Who can take part in the Games?
Participation in the Games is free and open to all who wish to take part. Communities, civil society organisations and governments are invited to organise and enjoy the Games and events in their own countries and locations, limited only by their own local constraints of financing, organising and planning capacity. Different organisations can hold multiple Games in the same country at different sites. Participating communities and organisations select their own sites.

How to register
Register now by sending your registration information (see the attached document) to PLAY SOCCER Nonprofit International. If you have any questions or need to obtain information in French or Spanish, please contact Play Soccer Nonprofit International at psni@playsoccer-nonprofit.org. Instructions and more information about the Games are also attached and the report on last year’s 2013 Global Peace Games for Children and Youth and the Certificate of Participation are available for reference on www.playsoccer-nonprofit.org.

Fellowship opportunities in the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports & Nutrition

Two fellowship opportunities are currently available in the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports & Nutrition (PCFSN) within the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health (OASH) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). 

About the organisation
PCFSN is a federal advisory committee that advises the President of the United States through the Secretary of HHS. PCFSN’s mission is to educate, engage and empower all Americans to lead a healthy lifestyle that includes regular physical activity and good nutrition.

About the position
Under the guidance of a mentor, the selected participants may have the opportunity to monitor and evaluate evidence-based physical activity, sports and nutrition data to determine significant research gaps, best practices and effective strategies for increasing opportunities for Americans of all ages, backgrounds and abilities to be active and healthy. They will be part of a team that manages strategic partnerships and related projects to promote PCFSN’s priority programmes and initiatives. They may also have the opportunity to support PCFSN’s outreach and education efforts by developing relevant content for presentations and talking points that support the health mission and priorities of PCFSN, HHS and the administration.

The initial appointment is for one year, but may be renewed upon recommendation of HHS contingent on the availability of funds. The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with education level and experience. Participants do not become employees of HHS or the programme administrator, and there are no fringe benefits paid.

How to Apply
To be considered, please send a current CV/resume to the attention of HHSrpp@orau.org. Please reference DHHS-OASH-2014-0115 in all communications.