Legends 2004 and UEFA Foundation for Children promote social integration through football
The Champions For Life NPC Legends 2004 football team and the UEFA Foundation for Children are gearing up to promote the values of football on and off the pitch on the Greek island of Lesvos.
On 9 July, the municipal stadium of Mytilene will host local Under-12 football academies and young refugees for a football tournament in an atmosphere free from discrimination.
Legends 2004 is a Greek football team promoting the message that children can integrate through football, and sport in general, without discrimination, whether based on social background, gender, disabilities, race, religion, etc. In this particular event, local football academies will welcome young refugees into their teams and then compete against each other under the guidance and mentorship of the Legends, all champions from EURO 2004.
Each of the Legends will take a team under his wing to inspire the young athletes and provide knowledge, experience, and advice, and then guide them and their coaches through a series of games, which will culminate in a small and a big final.
This is a social event inspired by love, humanity, and solidarity, in which football unites the children and helps to ease the integration of people that have survived the harshest life circumstances.
UEFA general secretary Theodoros Theodoridis, European Commission vice-president Margaritis Schinas, and the UEFA Foundation for Children general secretary Urs Kluser will all be attending the tournament, sending a strong message of support for integration and solidarity through the dynamics of football.