2 The Turning Point for the First Project in 2001
The raising of the funds and the coaching team, April 2001
Contact with the British Embassy, the British Council, and the first Anglo–Arab–Jewish meetings
Last-minute hitches!
The First World Sports Peace Project in Ibillin, Daily Record, 25 July–3 August 2001
Conclusions

3 Developments from September 2001 to the Second Project, 2002
First steps for the Second Project, 2002
The preparatory visit to Israel, November 2001 and developments with the British Council
Formal recognition and honouring of the project in Ibillin
Strategies for turning blame into learning curves
West Bank beginnings in Bethlehem
Strengthening the organisational bases
The clouds, the rainbow and the commitment, March 2002
More clouds in the lead up to the Second Project
The postponement of the West Bank ‘Rainbow’ project
The Second WSPP in Ibillin, Misgav, Tivon, Daily Record, 22–30 August 2002
Conclusions
Reflections on the Second Project and thinking ahead to the Third
Changes in the British Council in Israel

4 The British Council and UK Universities – The Third Project, 2003
Involvement with Meridian Television and the media resources of Southampton Institute of Higher Education
Reconnaissance visit to Israel in May
Count-down to the project – three weeks to go
Notes of briefing for coaching team, 14 June 2002
The Third WSPP, Nazareth, Daily Record, 5–13 July 2003
Learning points and the future

5 An Act of Faith – The Entrustment
WSPP Philosophy and Codes of Practice
WSPP and practicalities of working with others
Interaction with the University of Brighton and the British Council
Report of the final meeting, 30 September 2003
Exciting developments in the WSPP
Postscript
Recognition

6 A Model for the Church, Sport and Conflict Prevention
The influences? The discovery of revelation?
Mystery and immanence
More than humanism
Creation, humanity and its destiny
Service, Community and Stewardship
Differences in religious practice and dialogue
Forgiveness and reconciliation
Coincidences, providence and the Holy Spirit
Political theology, incarnation, servanthood and society

List of the WSPP Coaching Teams, 2001–2003

Notes
Sources and References
Index

“I have done many memorable things in my life, but this has been one of the most important things I have ever had the pleasure of being a part of.” From the Foreword by David Bedford, Director, Flora London Marathon

"I have been consistently encouraged by the work of Conflict Prevention through sport by Geoffrey Whitfield and his colleagues. Their successful work in Israel with Arab and Jewish young people has been the result of both vision and sustained hard work. The story will encourage and activate everyone interested and involved in peace work." Desmond M. Tutu, Archbishop Emeritus

“There's much talk about conflict resolution; less about conflict prevention, and even then, it tends to be in the rarefied realms of conferences and consultations. Other than the fact it is a good read, there are three reasons why this book is important. It deals with conflict resolution at ground level; it involves the generations whose futures are in the melting , and it's about sport - which is not just fun, but is where you people learn about justice, fair play, obeying the rules and team work.” Former Head of Religious Broadcasting, BBC Northern Ireland

“The shared vision – democratic, passionate, and rife with difficulties and pitfalls – is an expression of religion as passionate action. Imagine, if you can, the glorious incongruity of Arab and Jewish boys and girls playing soccer in Bethlehem or Nazareth, or in the shadow of the Sermon on the Mount. Downright inspiring.” Ron David, author of Arabs & Israel for Beginners

“The book reads more like a suspense novel as Geoffrey documents the birth and growth of WSPP, the impossible made possible by the involvement of people who ‘have a scale of mind and heart beyond the ordinary’. Football (soccer) is a powerful metaphor for learning to trust, having confidence in each other, and working together toward a common goal . . . behaviors which continue to be all too elusive on a global scale.” J. Clayton Schroeder, bookseller and freelance writer, Portsmouth, NH, USA

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