AFDP supports Dignity for Children Foundation’s Faisal Cup – Empowering children through football

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The Asian Football Development Project (AFDP) has joined, this year, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and Mamee-Double Decker in supporting the Faisal Cup, a football tournament organized by Dignity for Children Foundation in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The Faisal Cup, the first and only football tournament of its kind in Malaysia, kicked off the first round on 24 August 2012 and will continue with Round 2 and 3 throughout September with the Finals to be held on 29 September at SMK Raja Ali, Jalan Ipoh.

The tournament features around 90 teams and 63 football teams vying for their respective trophies. A total of 441 boys and 243 girls between the ages of 10 to 16 are participating in this joyous event and around 2,000 people are expected to attend to cheer the children on.

“We at the Asian Football Development Project are very proud to be part of Dignity for Children Foundation’s noble efforts to restore hope and empower underprivileged children through education as well as sports,” said HRH Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein, Chairman of the Asian Football Development Project and FIFA Vice President representing Asia.

“The Faisal Cup is an avenue for the children, where their dreams can become a reality and through which they can dream and hope. This event is also in line with AFDP’s commitment to engage the youth in Asia in a game for life that promotes social responsibility and development,” added Prince Ali.

The AFDP, a non-profit youth commission founded by Prince Ali and headquartered in Amman, Jordan, focuses its needs-based support on strengthening football development as well as promoting social development through football across Asia.

With the encouragement from AFDP, the Faisal Cup will also be introducing the Girls’ Football team for the very first time. The debut of the girls’ team will aid in broadening the perspective of the communities. Training for the girls’ teams will begin as soon as this year’s tournament is completed.

“We are excited and grateful that the Asian Football Development Project has agreed to journey with us in our humble effort to bring meaning, inspiration and hope to the many underprivileged children out there, who just like Faisal has not had the opportunity and resources to fulfil their dreams,” said Rev. Elisha Satvinder, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Dignity for Children Foundation.

Initiated by Harvest Centre Bhd in 2006, Faisal Cup acts as a voice of freedom and opportunity for underprivileged children. Though birthed through tragedy, the story of Faisal losing his life trying to retrieve a ball he saw floating in the Gombak River has inspired a tournament that emphasizes the value of organised sports and the skills and positive attitudes it cultivates in children.

Rev. Elisha added, “Every year we see not just our project grow but the people who are involved in this journey with us grow as well. The joy and laughter the sports bring to the kids, the children’s firm believe that they are one; they are united no matter what colour, religion or breed, the little things most of the privileged take for granted, all these and more, make it all worthwhile”.