On Sunday, August 25, the second Game with Mum & Dad (GWMD) event was held at the Oddziale Zewnętrznym Aresztu Śledczego prison in Krakow, Poland. This event marked the second of the four planned games (of football) organised by COPE member Probacja and it unfolded in an atmosphere of warmth and unity that transcended the confines of the prison walls.
The game is a tool that strengthens, increases and maintains the bond between children and detained parents and it is only the final event of a journey made inside the prison under the guidance of the Polish NGO.
A little boy, around three years old, who had been playing on his dad’s shoulders, joined the game and found himself with the ball at his feet. As he kicked the ball towards the goal, the entire field came to a standstill. All eyes were on the young footballer. And what a moment it was—he scored, and the field erupted in ovation. The joy on the child’s face and the pride in his dad’s eyes were indescribable.
What made this event truly special was the profound sense of togetherness it fostered among the participants. The group was a diverse mix—children, parents, grandparents, Probacja staff, the prison educator, football coaches and residents of the halfway house “Pro Domo.” Each person played a role in making the day memorable, contributing to a shared experience that was more than just a football game.
Someone brought a pen to sign the water cups, another brought water for the players, even venturing onto the pitch to hand a cup to a mum. Ice cream was shared among all participants, and volunteers staffed the catering area. As the day ended, everyone pitched in to tidy up the area.
The game was refereed by Władisław Łach and his son Bernad Łach from the Małopolski Związek Piłki Nożnej football club. When asked about his impressions of the initiative, Władisław remarked on how the event was such a great equaliser, blurring the lines between the participants.
“It was interesting that you didn’t know who was in the group—you know it’s the parents from the prison, but which one they are, it’s hard to guess.”
– Władisław Łach
His observation underscores how GWMD combats stigma, allowing participants to connect on a human level, free from preconceived notions.
The GWMD initiative in Krakow continues to show that through shared experiences like these, even the walls of a prison can be permeated by the power of unity, love and mutual respect.
