Near Paris, Moroccan youth join nations cup to tackle violence through sport

A vibrant tournament celebrating the spirit of Morocco, Congo, Mali, and even France unfolded near Paris, where over 200 teenagers gathered at the Henri-Longuet sports park for a unique Nations Cup. The initiative aimed to bridge divides between neighborhoods and ease tensions.

Ludovic Danga, a youth coordinator at MJC Les Passerelles, noticed a shift in dynamics among the participants. «By forming teams based on countries, the young people moved past their usual circles, reaching beyond their neighborhoods to find teammates», he told Le Parisien with enthusiasm.

In the stands and on the field, young people from Moroccan and other backgrounds were united through football. But the game was just a starting point. Throughout the week, debates and workshops sparked discussions on inter-neighborhood violence. Ludovic noted that «about fifteen of them also participated in a conference titled 'What’s the Fight?'»

«Fights have become trivialized, almost as if they're normal», admits Micael, 17, who wears a «Stop the Fights» bracelet given to participants. «Before delving into this topic, I might have dismissed them too, even though I never joined in», he reflects. For him, the bracelet, a seemingly simple item, holds deep significance. «It means we're one big family», he shares. Regardless of city or country, he asserts, it's football that unites everyone.

Another voice, Rita, 14, who has never been involved in a fight, stresses the aftermath of these confrontations. «We must consider the consequences of fights. These consequences are death, prison, and injuries», she points out.

The event was the brainchild of the Restart’Up training center, founded by Boro Doucouré, and received 14,000 euros in funding from the State as part of educational city initiatives. Boro observed that the youngest teenagers, often sidelined from summer tournaments like neighborhood CANs, were left with little to do. It was crucial to include them, as well as girls, which is why they named this sporting event «the Nations Cup», he explains.

Mayor Jean-Marie Vilain, enthusiastic about the project, saw it as a viable solution. «We spend our time searching for answers. (...) We gave it our all, and it was worth it», he asserts.

On the field, jerseys and smiles blend seamlessly. A diverse group of young people, Moroccan or otherwise, is striving to create a different, more peaceful narrative.