British diplomats v Arab and Jewish Israeli kids

British Embassy staff in Israel channelled the spirit of British champions Leicester City in their recent kick-about with Jewish and Arab children, as they celebrated the launch of a kids’ football scheme in Jaffa.

The Equalizer programme, which was established in the Galil region three years ago, seeks to bring Arab and Jewish children together over a shared passion: their love of the ‘beautiful game.’

“I have seen the great work the Equalizer has already done in using sport to break down barriers and bring communities together,” said British ambassador David Quarrey. “I am pleased we can offer this opportunity to children in Jaffa.”

Volunteer staff at the programme work with schools to provide year-round football-based activities for Jewish and Arab children aged 10-12, after Israeli students established a need to provide a framework for Arab and Jewish children to mix outside school.

Camera lenses readied for Tuesday’s launch, as Quarrey and embassy staff took on tomorrow’s stars, who promptly ran rings around them. For the English diplomats in the team, no doubt there was quiet relief that the match did not go to penalties.