What is ERW?

Explosive remnants of war (ERW) is a term used in the humanitarian aid and sustainable development sectors to describe the explosive threats remaining in post-conflict society. This includes landmines, cluster bombs, IEDs and other unexploded ordnance (UXO).

What is UXO?

Unexploded ordnance (UXO) are explosive weapons (including bombs, bullets, shells, grenades, landmines etc) that did not explode when they were employed and still pose a risk of detonation - potentially many decades after they were discarded.

What is a landmine?

Placed under or on the ground, landmines explode from the contact or presence of a person or vehicle. When triggered, they are designed to kill or cause injuries like blindness, burns, destroyed limbs and shrapnel.

What are cluster bombs?

Cluster bombs, cluster munitions or sub-munitions are air-dropped or ground launched explosive weapons that eject smaller munitions - a "cluster" of bomblets. The most common types are designed to kill enemy personnel and destroy vehicles. Other types designed to destroy runways, electric power transmission lines, disperse chemical or biological weapons, or to scatter land mines have also been produced.

Because cluster bombs release many small bomblets over a wide area they pose risks to civilians both during attacks and afterwards. During attacks the weapons are prone to indiscriminate effects, especially in populated areas. Unexploded bomblets can kill or maim civilians long after a conflict has ended, and are costly to locate and remove.

Does Spirit of Soccer clear landmines and ERW?

No. Our mission is to educate people about the dangers of landmines and ERW so they can avoid being killed or maimed. We do this by using the engaging and inspirational power of soccer. In every country where we operate we work very closely with the local mine action experts.

Why soccer?

Simply put, soccer is the world's common language. "Our program works because of the universal appeal of soccer" says Spirit of Soccer Founder Scott Lee. "It's the number one sport in the world and is played by everybody - all religions, all sexes, all ages. This makes it a great partner for Mine Risk Education - these deadly weapons don't discriminate and neither does soccer".