South London’s Peace Ballers is calling on young people aged 16 and over from Southwark and across London to lace up for the Unity in the Air Cup – a community football tournament tackling air pollution through the power of sport.
Taking place on Saturday 25th July from 12pm–4pm, the tournament will welcome players from different schools, neighbourhoods and communities for an afternoon of an afternoon of football, conversation and community celebration.
The event is part of the LIVE + BREATHE summer campaign, which uses sport, music, art and culture to highlight the impact of air pollution and encourage communities to take action. Through the Unity in the Air Cup, Peace Ballers aims to show how football can create opportunities for young people to connect while exploring an issue that affects everyday life.
Air pollution remains a major health challenge across London, with young people in urban communities often among those most affected. Alongside the football matches, participants will take part in a clean air awareness session exploring how pollution affects health, wellbeing and the places where people live.
The tournament will bring together players from across South London before culminating in the first-ever Unity in the Air Cup trophy presentation.
Zion Zachary, Director of Peace Ballers, said:
“Football has always been a way of bringing people together, no matter where you’re from. The Unity in the Air Cup is about creating a space where young people can enjoy the game, meet new people and talk about something that affects all of our communities. Clean air is something everyone deserves, and young people have an important role to play in shaping the future.”
The event forms part of LIVE + BREATHE a community-led movement using creativity and culture to raise awareness of air pollution and environmental inequality across South London.
Love Ssega, Founder of LIVE + BREATHE, said:
“Air pollution affects communities across South London every day, but it can often feel like an issue that is difficult to change. LIVE + BREATHE is about bringing people together through things that inspire us – whether that’s music, art or sport. The Unity in the Air Cup shows that football can do more than bring people together on the pitch; it can help start conversations and encourage positive action in our communities.”
The day will finish with medal presentations and the Unity in the Air Cup trophy ceremony, celebrating the players, teams and communities taking part.
Peace Ballers is encouraging schools, youth organisations and local footballers to register and be part of a day that combines sport, community and action for cleaner air.
