The Friendship Cup : From Palestine to Ireland
Author: Clarke, Winne
Reading age: from c 9 years
Published on 15 April 2025 by The Mercier Press in Ireland.
Paperback / softback | 176 pages, 15 Illustrations, black and white
128 x 198 x 17 | 194g
What happens when a summer football program brings together children from different worlds?When a Palestinian team arrives in Ireland, nobody realises how deeply these new friendships will change everyone's lives. Inspired by a real football exchange from 2017, this moving novel follows Irish children as they welcome visitors into their homes and hearts.
As they play matches and learn about each other's lives, the Irish children begin to understand what daily life is like in Palestine. But when fighting breaks out in October, it becomes hard to stay in touch. With scary news reports every day, the Irish children worry about their faraway friends.
How do you help when someone you care about might be in danger?What can children do when grown-up problems seem too big to solve?Join these brave friends as they work through family worries and learn to speak up. With help from a kind counsellor, they turn their concerns into action, showing that friendship can cross any border. A powerful story about connection, understanding and finding your voice in a complicated world.
Money from each book sold will help support the Al Helal Football Academy in Gaza.

