Preparation meeting for Youth Exchange in Lisbon

Preparation meeting for Youth Exchange in Lisbon

Staff members from Aberdeen FC, PFC Ludogorets 1945, NAC Breda, KAS Eupen, and host SL Benfica came together in Lisbon to prepare the next ‘Breaking Barriers through Football’ Youth Exchange from the 15th to the 21st of September 2019. 

The Youth Exchange provides the 17 to 25 year olds from the five participating clubs with the unique opportunity to share experiences with each other through engaging in diverse activities. This contributes to fostering the understanding of cultural and religious diversity. An important aspect, especially as multiculturalism among young people are a reality in Europe and its neighbouring countries. In cities and communities, young people with different social, religious and cultural backgrounds live together or next to one another. Culturally diverse communities can provoke challenges in intercultural understanding and inclusion of members of society with different cultural, linguistic or religious backgrounds.

Meeting in Estádio da Luz

The preparation meeting focused on creating a platform to discuss the planning process and the schedule for the exchange programme. Staff members selected topics for the group discussions, planed the cultural evenings, ice breaker activities, group energizers for every morning and other everyday activities. The meeting took place in the Estádio da Luz, the iconic home of SL Benfica. The community coaches and CSR practitioners visited also the accommodation for the Youth Exchange.