Southwark (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Peaceballers is inviting young footballers from Southwark to feature in its latest campaign video promoting sport and community unity.
The campaign match, which is scheduled to be filmed in Southwark Park on Monday, September 1st at 1pm, will highlight the negative effects of toxic air on young athletes and the ways in which football can serve as a vehicle for environmental change.
“This campaign is about turning passion into action. Young footballers have influence and energy—this is their chance to use it for something bigger than the game,”
said Zion Zachary, director of Peaceballers.
Young people are disproportionately affected by the high levels of air pollution in Southwark and Lambeth. Giving young athletes an opportunity to advocate for their future, community, and health is the campaign’s main goal.
Players who take the field will not only demonstrate their abilities but also join a movement calling for everyone to have access to clean, breathable air.
In order to start broader discussions about environmental justice and youth activism, Southwark schools are also asked to participate in a series of special screenings and Q&A sessions throughout September.
A prior Peaceballers ad showcasing local football skills garnered over 90,000 social media views in 2024.
The goal of Peaceballers’ video and social media campaign is to reach a large youth audience and persuade local and national authorities to act more forcefully against air pollution.
Additionally, participating gamers will gain more visibility on social media sites like Instagram and TikTok, which will help them build their profiles and spread awareness.
“We’re looking for passionate footballers to step onto the pitch and be part of Live and Breathe the Beautiful Game, a powerful short film that blends the beauty of football with a vital environmental cause.
This is your chance to showcase your skills in a cinematic story that will inspire fans and spark change, while raising your profile across social media and the football community.
By joining us, you won’t just be playing the game, you’ll be making a statement, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with a movement that’s fighting to protect both the soul of football and the world we all share. Your talent, your flair, and your passion could be the spark that ignites millions,”
continued Zachary.
Live + Breathe, a broader summer campaign that uses art, sport, and culture to combat air pollution in South London, includes this year’s football action. In 2023, the project—which was started by activist and singer Love Ssega—became a Community Interest Company.
What health and safety measures will address toxic air during filming?
Monitoring air quality before and during filming to ensure pollutant levels are safe. If elevated, limiting exposure time and providing respiratory protection such as masks or respirators. Providing appropriate PPE, including masks that can filter particulates and pollutants, especially for young athletes involved in physical activity.
Choosing filming locations with better air circulation, away from traffic and pollution hotspots, and ensuring good ventilation. Checking participants for symptoms of respiratory distress or other health issues and enabling immediate withdrawal from filming if necessary.
These measures align with occupational health and safety guidelines for film production in environments with air contaminants and help protect the well-being of young footballers and crew during the campaign shoot.