The tenth edition of the largest event of its kind for children in foster care has come to Warsaw, offering much-needed recreational opportunities to children from all over the world. The organisers hope that it can improve not only the children's abilities, but also their well-being.
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The 10th Children's World Cup, which originated and is held in Poland, is the world's largest tournament for foster care wards.
Krzysztof Kot, coach of the Polish team, emphasises just how much it means to its participants.
"It is a football festival that they look forward to all year. Here, they can meet their peers, play against each other in a beautiful stadium, listen to the anthems in the final, win a medal or a cup, and simply be representatives of their country," he says.
The Children's World Cup organiser, Andrzej Lisiak, explains the mission behind the event, and emphasises the importance of supporting similar initiatives.
"When these children are accepted, it transforms something in them, and they start to exist anew. Otherwise, they are hidden, tired, and destroyed; they no longer want to continue. It only takes a moment of care for them to change their personality altogether. They start to exist as entirely different people, wonderful people with feelings, who want to live and help others," Lisiak says.
Nearly 250 children, representing 24 countries
The children taking part in the tournament express similar sentiments.
"{It's] A wonderful place, a wonderful country. We got to know other cultures," said Manuel, one of the participants, who came from Portugal to compete. When asked if he would like to become a professional footballer, he replied he "would like to, but it is very difficult."
Another participant, coming from Lithuania, emphasised that she loves football very much and that she feels very confident while playing with her team.
According to the organisers, more than 10,000 children from all over the world have participated in the tournaments so far. For them, it is essential to see how happy children are when they come together to play and enjoy themselves.
"It's very important to give this opportunity to all children in the world. This is one of the values we have at UEFA Foundation for Children. Access to football for every child, regardless of their background," Carine N'koue, secretary general of UEFA Foundation for Children, said in an interview with Euronews.