esam plays football inside zatari.a professional side in the city of dara, but in 2012, he fled with his family. like mohammed, he is trying to resurrect his career. he coaches the children here in the camp. he admits to me that like many, it is hard to do. the guarded language used even here in the refugee camp makes it clearjust how fearful people are talking about politics. but still, like mohammed, he supports the side. life here in camp it is tough, but people are safe, having escaped from the war. football is one of the central activities children get to enjoy. it is fun and gives them a sense of purpose. but it also gives them something that is very precious, having escaped from the conflict. it is essentially normal childhood. what is your favourite team? real madrid! what about england ? has anybody like any english teams? what about newcastle united? that is my team. you are run now though? you are like a little ronaldo. amar somma. why does everyone like him so much? high—fives, everyone! i had wondered how

million people have sought refuge abroad from the syrian civil war. 80,000 of them i hear in the zatarijust a few kilometres from the syrian border, it is a living, breathing testament to the human cost of war. muhamed was a professional footballer with the syrian top—flight club al—majd. when his brother was hit by a shell which hit their house, he together with his family escaped over the border to jordan. like many here, he is angry. mohammad is beginning to get his football career back on track. he still supports the national team. issam al masri is just 22, and considered the best player in camp. the medals he has here are all from playing football inside zaatari. he was a young talent with a professional side al—shoulla in the city of dara, but in 2012 he fled with his family. like mohammed, he is trying to resurrect his career. he coaches the children here in the camp. bravo. he admits to me that, like many, it is hard to talk openly. the guarded language used even here in the refugee camp makes it clear just how fearful people are of talking about politics. but still, like moham