Effects of fair play extend beyond the pitch

Celebrate the Game is a fair play project that Gothia Cup runs together with our partner Länsförsäkringar, to create a better environment and a better climate for everyone, on and off the pitch.

Coach Emily Jacobs prioritises bringing out the fun when playing football and and the effects that fair play has on the pitch and beyond.
– If you’re friendly and respect each other on the pitch, you’re more likely to respect each other off the pitch, says Emily.

Emily Jacobs, 20 years old, is a coach with Prep School Girls 11s and has been coaching for the last three years. As a coach there’s opportunity to have an impact. She makes sure that the girls understand they play football to have fun and enjoy the game.
– Fair play is about respecting other people on the pitch. Having a good time, making the game fun because everyone’s here because they love it, Emily says.

All the players in the team need to feel involved, and this can be a challenge when bringing different types of personalities together. Emily highlights the importance of doing things outside of the pitch as well.
– Our striker and centre mid have a brilliant connection, brought on by us doing things together as a team. Most of them don’t know each other when they first come out here, because they’re from different schools, so getting them together and building those relationship and friendships, it’s brilliant, Emily says.

It’s her second time at Gothia Cup, she appreciates the community and the city and will be returning.
– Everyone’s so friendly! It’s a safe environment, everyone chats to everyone, Emily says.

Football is a chance to focus on something else and leave the problems behind, which is why it is so important to treat everyone in a fair and nice way.
– If you’re friendly and respect each other on the pitch, you’re more likely to respect each other off the pitch. Getting everyone involved is very inclusive, everyone can love it. It’s a game for everyone, says Emily.