The Hon Peter Slipper MP presents the Sustainable Sport Award to Anne Bunde-Birouste, Director of Football United.

Football United is a leading organisation that uses football for social development. It is important to understand why football is seen as a tool that can be used to better society.

When young refugees arrive in new communities there is often an added dimension of practical challenges, such as learning new languages, cultural and societal values. Refugees from conflict impacted areas often carry emotionally traumatic experiences with them, such as loss of, or separation from family members, torture or life threatening events.

Football, in particular, is an ideal tool to foster socialisation. It is inexpensive, enjoys worldwide enthusiasm and is designed as a non-­‐violent sport. It is played by both genders, thus is non-­‐exclusive. It provides transferable skills of fair play, tolerance, inclusion and understanding of oneself, team mates and opponents alike. It teaches responsibility, winning, losing and participation. It can address diverse and complex issues, such as children’s rights, peace building, education, health promotion and anti‐discrimination.