“Finally, I could run around and play with my dad outside the prison.”
— child, Czechia, Brno GWMD event
6 June 2026, Brno, Czechia — While football fans around the world are following the FIFA World Cup, a smaller but equally important football event is taking place across Europe — Game with Mum & Dad, a project that gives children the chance to play sports with their parents in prison.
After the start of its third edition on 30 May in Rapotice, the project continued in Czechia with an event at Kuřim Prison. There, 21 children met their fathers for a day that looked and felt different from usual prison visits.
They played football together and shared a playful time that many of them rarely get. For a few hours, the focus was not on the prison setting, but on being together as a family. The event took place in the outdoor area of the prison. Being outside gave families more space and a sense of normal life, even if only for a short time.
“Today was the best day I’ve had in the last 18 months.”
— imprisoned father, Czechia, Brno GWMD event
In the Czech Republic, the initiative is organised by Mezinárodní vězeňské společenství (Prison Fellowship Czech Republic – MVS), an NGO part of the COPE Network, which coordinates the programme across Europe.
“On the football pitch, there are no prisoners and no visitors. There are only children and their parents. For a few hours, the bars, uniforms and stigma disappear, leaving only what matters most – family. For children growing up with their father behind prison walls, time spent playing together is more valuable than any gift. That is why the Game with Mum & Dad project is so powerful. It helps rebuild trust, strengthen relationships and remind children that their parents still care deeply about them,” says Žaneta Dvořáčková, Deputy Director of MVS.
The day was filled with emotional and memorable moments. The youngest participant was just five months old and one imprisoned father embraced his family for the first time after a year of separation.
One of the greatest strengths of the event was its relaxed atmosphere. After the football match, there was no fixed schedule. Families were free to spend time together however they wished. The imprisoned fathers themselves also played an active role in organising the day. They helped prepare the venue for their loved ones and did everything they could to ensure that their children felt safe, welcome and comfortable.
Children also shared their feelings about the day through drawings:
“What I was looking forward to”: “My dad”
“What we experienced today”: “Football”
“What I’m looking forward to”: “A hug with my dad”
About Mezinárodní vězeňské společenství (MVS)
Founded in 2010, Mezinárodní vězeňské společenství supports people whose lives have been affected by crime, including victims, current and former imprisoned people, children with imprisoned parents and their families. Its work focuses on restoring relationships, strengthening families bonds and restorative justice.
