User:Streetfootballworld/Football3

football3 is a unique way of playing football based on the principle that the basic values of fair play, teamwork, communication and respect are just as important as athletic skill. It is a key methodology used among grassroots organisations using football for social change, which is part of the larger field of sport for social change. football3 is named after its ‘three halves’–a pre-match discussion, a football game, and an additional post-match discussion–and incorporates key life lessons into every match. Players collectively decide on the rules before the match, and after must reflect on their behaviour during play. Points are awarded for goals as well as fairness and, as football3 is played without referees, players must learn how to solve conflicts themselves through dialogue and compromise.

The approach was first developed as a way to alleviate gang violence in Medellín, Colombia by Jürgen Griesbeck, Founder and CEO of streetfootballworld, the world's largest network of football for development organisations. It has since developed into an effective approach to addressing a range of social issues, such as segregation, gender inequality, discrimination and bullying. Through football3, young people all over the world are learning to take responsibility for their actions, to treat others fairly, and to value communication and mutual respect, both on and off the pitch.

Over one third of all member organisations in the streetfootballworld network currently use some form of football3, and it is an integral part of all streetfootballworld festivals and events. It was officially incorporated into tournaments at the 2010 and 2014 FIFA World Cups as part of the Football for Hope Festivals, and has steadily gained in popularity throughout the world. Although each organisation has adapted the rules to fit its specific context, the idea remains the same: creating a safe space to empower young people.