Tuesday, June 17 - By Simon Hyacinth, FURD Streetkick Coordinator
Unfortunately no Streetkick event took place.

After setting-up the game and waiting for more than 2 hours I had to concede that an event couldn't safely go ahead.

I'm sure the lads weren't too disappointed about this as it meant that they got an unexpected free afternoon - albeit on a day when the weather determined that there wasn't a great deal to do.

Monday, June 16 - By Simon Hyacinth, FURD Streetkick Coordinator
The warmest day of the tour thus far, and the much awaited clash between one of the host countries (Austria) and the Germans - which had turned out to be a qualification decider.

Many of the locals seemed resigned to the fact that Austria had little chance of qualification - but were determined to enjoy the occasion anyway.

In terms of Streetkick the fact that it was a normal working day meant that there were relatively low numbers of fan groups, however, this was balanced by the fact that it allowed team to work all day with the large numbers of young children that were around.

Sunday, June 15 - By Simon Hyacinth, FURD Streetkick Coordinator
The Streetkick team were given a day off to recharge their batteries and take in some of the beautiful scenery the Innsbruck has to offer.
The group decided to spend a day in the mountains, which meant taking a train and two cable cars up into the Alps.

At 2,500 metres above sea level the general concensus amongst the group was that the scenery was breathtaking - but so too was the cold.

The team's evening meal provided the opportunity to go into town and watch Turkey's very exciting last league game - which of course they won.

The result of Turkeys' late qualification to the knock-out stage brought the whole substancial Turkish community out in celebration.

Car horns pipped and a procession of Turkish fans paraded around the city centre all night waving flags and chanting - the noise was defening.

Saturday, June 14 - By Simon Hyacinth, FURD Streetkick Coordinator
The day centred around the Spain v Sweeden game that took place.

The Streetkick event was hugely busy, and the town seemed to be awash with a sea of yellow and blue as the Sweedes converged on Innsbruck.

There were plenty of Spanish fans around also, but the Swedes were by far the dominant force - which was reinforced by the number of Swedish fans that had managed to get tickets in the Spanish seating areas during the game.

Despite the fact that the Swedish could give anyone a run for their money in terms of alcohol consumption (including the Brits), the atmosphere was electric but very friendly with opposing fans being pleasant towards one another and the locals.

Friday, June 13 - By Simon Hyacinth, FURD Streetkick Coordinator
The Austrian leg of FARE's Streetkick tour got under way with a well attended event under the clouds in the centre of Innsbruck - where the FURD streetkick team will be based for the first week.

The event went very well with all football fans seeming to be in good spirits.

FARE partner agencies and volunteers from the Innsbruck fan embassy assisted in the running of the event, which took place in front of the the Landers Theatre.

From a personal point of view (and being of African Caribbean origin) my first full day in Innsbruck was filled with mixed feelings.

There was the obvious feeling of excitement that came about as a result of finally being involved in Euro 2008.

However, with regards to the reasons for being out here in Austria, my feelings ranged from anger, disappointment and a general feeling of 'why am I here' after being racially abused in a 'drive-by' car incident at a public crossing - which could conceivably happen in many cities around Europe, to a feeling that it may be worthwhile after all after being congratulated by an elderly couple for our anti-racist campaign during the tournament.

Thursday, June 12
Well the FURD Geneva group are on their way back to Sheffield just as our Austria team fly out to Innsbruck.

We celebrated with the Swiss-Portuguese at the Fanpark last night, discovering that wearing silly green and red wigs guaranteed you
loads of new friends.

But the party atmosphere at the Fanpark didn't last long, with the hosts being dumped out of their home tournament after just two games.

The collective groan when Turkey scored their late winner was broken only by a handful of delirious Turkish fans, whose post-match celebrations were sulkily tolerated. One thing we've learnt is that the Swiss are very polite!

A seven hour train journey through the mountains to Innsbruck stopped just long enough at Zurich station to take a picture of the incredible giants team huddle, followed by much relief at the news that Chris's long drive from Sheffield with the FURD inflatable Streetkick made it in time for tonight's first event.

Strangely the game is being blown up to provide a backdrop for a performance by a Brazilian samba band, with our first Innsbruck Streetkick matches beginning tomorrow in front of the former Royal Palace.

At least the game should look the part following it's spring clean last week with the help of Streetforce, and some lovely new banners specially made for the Euros.

Tuesday, June 10
Well it's been a quiet couple of days for the FURD Streetkick team in Geneva.

If it wasn't for the giant football supended spectacularly on top of a 100 metre fountain in the middle of Lake Geneva you'd struggle to notice that anything out of the ordinary was going on - apart that is from the beautiful purpose-built Streetkick pitch on the Place du Rhone, slap-bang next to the lake.

It seems that the pattern here will see life as normal apart from match days, so we are looking forward to tomorrow, when Portugal meet Czech Republic.

There are over 30,000 Portuguese living in Geneva, and there are many more of their flags to be seen hanging from apartment buildings than Swiss ones.

They certainly painted the old town red and green after their 2-0 win on Saturday.

There are a few English fans here, and all of them have commented how much they are enjoying themselves without the spectre of the hooligan hardcore hovering nearby.

The tournament is definitely not the same without the English here, but many of the fans we met think that's a welcome relief.

Friday, June 6 - By FURD's volunteer coordinator Mehrun Ahmed

"It's not stopped raining since we arived in Geneva on Thursday evening.

"The locals say its been pouring down every day for three weeks - people keep telling me that Geneva is surrounded by spectacular mountains but all we've seen is cloud and mist.

"The weather has meant we were unable today to brand the Streetkick game with UEFA's 'Unite Against Racism' message but tomorrow we will play Streetkick with Portuguese and Turkish fans whatever the weather.

"It might just be the rain dampening spirits, but there's not much evidence of anticipation and excitement, considering tonight is the eve of a major football championship.

"Perhaps if the Swiss manage to beat the Czechs tomorrow the atmosphere will come alive."

What do you think? Post your comments below.

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