It’s always nice to see world famous stars here in Israel. It’s not that we’re celeb stalkers or anything like that, it’s just great to see big names here in the Holy Land after many periods over the last few years when no one would touch Israel with a barge pole…
This time it’s the turn of one of the world’s greatest ever footballers, Sir Bobby Charlton. When the modern world of football is all about money, fame and leggy supermodels, and we’re constantly fed a diet of Ronaldo, Beckham and the next wonder kid, it’s always nice to reflect on a true legend, a true gent. OK, OK, go and ask your Dad all about him, he’ll probably gush on about Sir Bobby for hours…or just watch the clip at the end of this article to get an idea of what Sir Bobby was all about. And hey, we can forgive him for playing for Manchester United…
And the best thing about Sir Bobby’s visit – it’s all in the name of peace. He’s actually here with some coaches from the Manchester United Foundation to hold a special coaching program with Arab and Jewish kids in this year’s Football for Peace, an annual sport and community relations festival at the Wingate Sports Institution.
This unique football camp runs from 5 -10 July, with some 500 footballing hopefuls from communities across the north of Israel, both Jewish and Arab, in an attempt to foster co-existence. A number of coaches from the UK will be leading the sessions, as well as some coaches from Israel. The camp ends with a nice little tournament tomorrow (9th July) at the Bet She’an stadium, from 4-8pm. But kids, if during that tournament the ball bounces off the crossbar and looks like it didn’t cross the line, don’t go running to Sir Bobby Charlton for his opinion…
Sir Bobby is holding a press conference on Friday morning (10th July). He’s also here to lead out the British team in Monday’s opening ceremony for the Maccabiah Games, one of Israel’s biggest sporting events. Here’s what the great man had to say about his trip to Israel:
Using football to bring different people together is an approach that we endorse as part of our community outreach at Manchester United. I am delighted to be extending this philosophy to Israel. It is a privilege to be working with Arab and Jewish youngsters and to be a part of Football 4 Peace project.
And if you were wondering just who the heck is Sir Bobby Charlton, wonder no more, here’s a great little tribute video…