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The International Day of Peace, observed annually on September 21st to promote global unity and non-violence, reminds us that peace isn't just an aspiration—it’s something we can (and must) practice every day.
On soccer fields around the world, young people come together from different cultures, backgrounds, beliefs, and worldviews, showcasing soccer as a universal language that fosters peace.
At Soccer Without Borders (SWB), we exercise peace in practice everyday. We know that soccer is more than a game—it’s a powerful tool for cross-cultural understanding. Once the ball is in play, differences begin to fade, replaced by teamwork, communication, and a shared purpose. This sense of belonging and mutual respect is at the heart of our mission, fostering inclusion and equity on and off the pitch. This relational exchange between individuals and teammates on the pitch is part of how SWB practices peace, and we extend this practice to global travel and cultural exchange as well.
Earlier this year, two of SWB’s hubs experienced the power of cross-cultural exchange firsthand. In January, our SWB Massachusetts team traveled to Granada, Nicaragua, to connect with their Nicaraguan colleagues. During the summer, our Nicaraguan staff – joined by representatives from the Nicaraguan Football Federation and Colegio Centroamerica – visited SWB Massachusetts in East Boston. These exchanges fostered mutual learning, deepened relationships, and strengthened the lasting bonds we continue to build across borders.
“The main takeaway for me has been the importance of creating a safe, comfortable and open-minded space for girls and women in sports and the different ways to do this,” recalled an exchange participant from SWB Massachusetts. “Seeing first hand the way that the Nicaraguan coaches approach, care, and coach girls of all ages in communities where there is not much opportunity and resources taught me that one coach can make a difference in the lives of girls around the world through soccer.”
“The first thing we face in the US is the cultural shock,” said an exchange participant from SWB Nicaragua, visiting the United States for the first time. “With this country that is very far from ours, I learned to be more tolerant.” Another Nicaraguan exchange participant reflected how “traveling to the US gave the opportunity to broaden our minds, our values, and gain deeper knowledge about other cultures and other people.”
For many of the young people we serve, the experience of coming together with peers from different cultures is transformative. Soccer, as a collective experience, allows youth to express themselves, build confidence, and gain a sense of agency—all while learning about and appreciating the diverse perspectives around them. Our exchange programs extend these opportunities beyond the local level, providing players, coaches, and volunteers alike with the chance to immerse themselves in new cultures, learn from one another, and form lasting bonds across borders.
Looking ahead, we hope you will share in our practice of peace and join us for some 2025 exchange opportunities! The 12th edition of the Uganda Youth Festival, a marquee event of our SWB Uganda hub, is taking place from January 13-17, 2025 in Kampala and you can join us as a volunteer! Visit our website to learn more and apply.
Similarly, those who want to be inspired by our Nicaragua coaches can check out TEAM Camp, also happening the week of January 13, 2025. The event will bring together girls from across the Granada region for specially designed team-building activities, leadership workshops, and (of course) lots of soccer!
Melisa, a volunteer at our most recent TEAM Camp, reflected about her visit: "Speaking from experience, soccer has made me the person that I am today," said Melisa. "It is from my personal experience that I can say with 100% confidence that the skills those girls learn during camp will benefit them in every way possible beyond the soccer field." Learn more at our website; applications will be opening soon!
As we continue building bridges across cultures, check out some photos from another recent exchange that highlighted the meaningful ways our mission is being brought to life around the world:
In August, SWB Executive Director Jennifer Tepper had the honor of being a Keynote Speaker at the Online Sport Leadership Program (OSLP) Summit 2024 in Tuguegarao City, Philippines. During her keynote, Jennifer highlighted SWB's mission of using soccer as a vehicle for positive change, emphasized the power of networking with like-minded changemakers, and shared her insights on nonprofit fundraising.
The OSLP Summit is dedicated to bringing together sports leaders and coaches to collectively shape Philippines sports while fostering collaboration and promoting Olympic values for community growth. The summit was co-founded by notable figures in Philippine sports: founder and convener of the Mindanao Peace Games, Coach Noli Ayo, and former Olympic swimmer Akiko Thompson-Guevara OLY, who received the Olympian for Life Award for her efforts in using her Olympic experience to make the world a better place. And, generously hosted by Tuguegarao City Councilwoman and former volleyball player, Charo Soriano. Learn more
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