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From Bristol to Bordeaux to make friendships through football
Thirty children from six schools across Bristol are travelling to our twin city of Bordeaux this weekend to play a number of friendly football matches.
The four-day trip is part of the Bristol 2 Bordeaux Twinning programme and being run by the award-winning not-for-profit Community of Purpose.
The aim is to strengthen the historic ties between the twinned cities and foster new friendships through football.
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It’s the culmination of the annual Bristol Together Championships, which runs fun football-themed sessions at 40 Bristol schools.
During their time spent in Bordeaux, participants will tour football stadiums, visit City Hall and other local attractions, and practice the language skills learned in introductory sessions ahead of the trip – photo: Dougie Allward/Made for Impact
Tony Dyer, leader of Bristol City Council, said: “Bristol and Bordeaux have been twinned since 1947, and it’s fantastic to see the ties between these two cities strengthened by such a positive and uplifting cultural exchange.
“Our links with Bordeaux and our other twin cities remain testaments to the value our city places on our international relationships and the mutual benefits of looking outwards beyond our borders.
“It’s essential that young Bristolians are given the chance to experience life outside of their postcodes to experience and connect with our friends across the continent.”
Amy Kington, co-founder and CEO of Community of Purpose, added: “We’re incredibly excited to give these young people the chance to broaden their horizons through the Bristol 2 Bordeaux programme
“For many, it will be their first time abroad, and this trip offers them the chance to make memories that will stay with them for life.
“It’s not just about football; it’s about inspiring these kids to dream big and realise that there’s a world of opportunities beyond their own neighbourhoods.
“As I often say to the young people that we work with: every friendship they have started out with meeting a stranger.”
The pupils taking part this year are from Bannerman Road Community Academy & Children’s Centre, Glenfrome Primary School, Four Acres Academy, Oasis Academy Bank Leaze, Staple Hill Primary School and Fair Furlong Primary School. The trip is fully funded thanks to contributions from Olympian Homes, Exacta Technologies, Lancer Scott, Made for Impact and Quartet Community Foundation.
Main photo: Dougie Allward/ Made for Impact
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