Student coach Zahrah was keen to experience our Coaching for Life programme as part of her Arsenal education, but she had no idea just how inspirational her time at the Za’atari refugee camp in Jordan would be.
“My name is Zahrah, I’m 20 years old and originally from Pakistan but born and raised in east London. I became involved with Arsenal through the Coach Development Programme to gain football coaching experience, inspired by the club’s community values and support from family and friends.
“Once I’d completed my first year of the CDP I had the opportunity to travel to Jordan to experience Coaching for Life, our programme in collaboration with Save for Children at the Za’atari refugee camp, which is home to Syrians who have fled the civil war in their home country.
“Coaching for Life launched in 2018, and I learned during my first year on the CDP that it combines more than 100 years of Save the Children’s child protection expertise and Arsenal in the Community’s experience of delivering sports for development to build vulnerable children’s mental, emotional and physical wellbeing through football.
“I was intrigued at how we were able to deliver this community programme in such a challenging environment, and I was inspired by Coaching for Life’s goal, which is to give children back their childhoods, help them rebuild their lives and coach them towards a better future. Once I discovered that more than 5,000 children had graduated from the programme, and that a growing number of them were girls, I wanted to do my bit to help more of them.
Coaching for Life aims to bring normality – and some fun – to the displaced Syrians at Za’atari
“Before joining the programme, I worked on Arsenal in the Community projects such as walking football, Premier League Stars and our primary school sessions. I gained valuable experience and felt ready for the challenge. Although I was nervous about the trip, my excitement to meet new people and explore helped me adjust quickly once I was there.
“Once I was embedded in the camp I spent most of my time with the female coaches, bonding, sharing stories and learning from their resilience. Together we developed activities and resources to engage children, creating a space for them to express themselves, connect with others and find joy through football.
“Seeing the impact first-hand was deeply moving. For the children, it was more than just a game – it brought normality, confidence and hope in a challenging environment.
“This work makes a profound difference in their lives. In a place where hope can be hard to come by, these moments of connection, learning and play create a sense of belonging and possibility that can transform how they see themselves and their future.
“Working with Save the Children was amazing and inspiring. It is an experience that, no matter where life takes me, I will always remember.”
Zarah spent time in Jordan as a student on Arsenal in the Community’s Coach Development Programme, and the trip was a life-changing experience for her
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