11 July 2026, Tarnów-Mościce (Poland) — Last Saturday, laughter echoed across football pitch Tarnów-Mościce Prison as children and their imprisoned parents came together for a day of play.
The second Polish event of this year’s Game With Mum & Dad programme welcomed 15 families, bringing together 15 imprisoned parents and 21 children for a day designed to strengthen the bond between children and imprisoned parents.
Despite threatening skies at the start of the morning, the clouds soon gave way to sunshine as families took to the prison football pitch. For a few precious hours, the prison grounds became a space where imprisoned parents could simply be mums and dads again, playing alongside their children.
The sporting activities were supported by Paweł Fido, a member of the Board of the Małopolska Football Association, and coach Robert Dziubak from MZPN, who encouraged the young players and surprised them with small gifts. Major Dorota Dudek, Director of Tarnów-Mościce Prison, also attended the event and watched the match, underlining the institution’s commitment to supporting family relationships.
© Paulina Bąbol
After the final whistle, families gathered for a warm lunch in the prison’s visiting room, which was specially decorated for the occasion. The meal concluded with sweet treats generously provided by Gala Bakery from Wojnicz.
The afternoon offered families the chance to enjoy simple but meaningful moments together. Children and parents made friendship bracelets, chose colourful football-themed temporary tattoos, played games and filled the space with giant soap bubbles. One of the day’s most treasured moments was the opportunity to have professional family photographs taken, which families could have as keepsakes of the day.
For many participants, the event represented far more than a day of fun and play.
“Such meetings are important. They help, strengthen us and have a positive impact on everyone.” — imprisoned father
Another parent reflected on the value of sharing these moments together:
“I rate today’s meeting very positively. The children are happy. In addition, the family photos we could have taken today are a reward for us, for which we are very grateful.” — a caregiver
© Paulina Bąbol
© Paulina Bąbol
Maintaining strong family relationships during imprisonment benefits both children and parents, helping to reduce the emotional impact of separation. Programmes such as Game With Mum & Dad demonstrate how creating opportunities for meaningful, child-friendly interaction within prison can help preserve these important bonds.
The success of the day was made possible through the dedication of the staff at Tarnów-Mościce Prison, whose commitment to planning and delivering the event helped create a warm, welcoming environment where families could reconnect with dignity and joy. Their collaboration with local partners and volunteers ensured that, for one day, children and parents could focus on what matters most: simply being together.
Game with Mum & Dad is a European project implemented by Children of Prisoners Europe (COPE) and made possible with the support of the European Commission. The Project aims to strengthen, maintain and enhance the bond between children and their imprisoned parents, and to generate systemic, child rights–based change across prison systems. The project originated in Italy in 2015 thanks to the Italian NGO part of the COPE Network, Bambinisenzasbarre.
In Poland, GWMD is implemented by the NGO Probacja.
