This weekend, 30 young people from six local schools will embark on a life-changing trip to France as part of the Bristol 2 Bordeaux Twinning.
This four-day trip, run by award-winning not-for-profit Community of Purpose, will give primary school pupils the chance to travel overseas for the first time, showcase their football skills and represent their home city – Bristol – as they play in friendly matches with Bordeaux schools.
The programme, which is supported by purpose-driven local businesses, strengthens historic ties between the twinned cities and builds the confidence of the children taking part, with a packed itinerary designed to open doors to new experiences, raise aspirations, and foster friendships through football.
This trip is the culmination of the annual Bristol Together Championships, which runs fun football-themed sessions to unlock the sporting potential of young Bristolians and build bridges across cultural and social divides. Established in 2012, the programme works with 40 schools that serve diverse communities across Bristol.
Councillor Tony Dyer, Leader of Bristol City Council, said: “Bristol and Bordeaux have been twinned since 1947, and it’s fantastic to see the ties between these two cities strengthened by such a positive and uplifting cultural exchange. Our links with Bordeaux and our other twin cities remain testaments to the value our city places on our international relationships and the mutual benefits of looking outwards beyond our borders.”
“It’s essential that young Bristolians are given the chance to experience life outside of their postcodes to experience and connect with our friends across the continent.”
During their time spent in Bordeaux, participants will tour professional stadiums, visit City Hall and other local attractions, and practice the language skills learned in introductory sessions ahead of the trip.
The young people return to the UK with a deeper understanding of different cultures and the ability to navigate new experiences outside of their comfort zones. In previous impact reports, 100% of participants said they felt happier speaking to people from different backgrounds and religions as a result of Bristol 2 Bordeaux.
Amy Kington, co-founder and CEO of Community of Purpose, said: “We’re incredibly excited to give these young people the chance to broaden their horizons through the Bristol 2 Bordeaux programme. For many, it will be their first time abroad, and this trip offers them the chance to make memories that will stay with them for life.”
“It’s not just about football; it’s about inspiring these kids to dream big and realize that there’s a world of opportunities beyond their own neighbourhoods. As I often say to the young people that we work with – every friendship they have started out with meeting a stranger.”
The pupils are from Bannerman Road Community Academy & Children’s Centre, Glenfrome Primary School, Four Acres Academy, Oasis Academy Bank Leaze, Staple Hill Primary School and Fair Furlong Primary School.
Bristol 2 Bordeaux operates through the investment of local businesses, to ensure this overseas adventure is open to children from all backgrounds. The trip is fully funded thanks to contributions from Olympian Homes, Exacta Technologies Ltd, Lancer Scott Ltd, Made for Impact, and Quartet Community Foundation.
For more information about Bristol 2 Bordeaux, or to inquire about how your business can invest in the transformative programmes run by Community of Purpose, get in touch with the team at hello@communityofpurpose.com.