UEFA supports Mini-EURO

A cross-border youth tournament in Germany and the Czech Republic next weekend, featuring top youngsters from eleven nations, is promoting the message of anti-racism, peace and tolerance, and is being given UEFA's support under the European body's social responsibility campaign.

'Mini-EURO 2008'
The German-Czech Football School - a project promoting football development across two frontiers - is staging the 'Mini-EURO 2008' tournament in the neighbouring border towns of Františkovy Lázne (Czech Republic) and Rehau (Germany) from Friday until Sunday, and the tournament being played under the slogan 'Against Racism and Violence'. The tournament has a unique nature, because it will be held in two countries on two days - Františkovy Lázne on Saturday and Rehau on Sunday. Staging the tournament on either side of the Czech-German border gives players the chance to learn about both countries and cultures.

UEFA support
UEFA is backing the event as part of its overall drive against racism and intolerance in football. The European body's position on racism has been unequivocal, especially through it's long-term relationship with the Football Against Racism in Europe (FARE) network. "It is very important to us to get children and young people to champion respect and tolerance," said UEFA President Michel Platini in his message to the tournament. "Youngsters know nothing of racism. They are open to and fascinated by other cultures and playing with children of different origins. This is why UEFA supports initiatives such as the German-Czech football school, which promotes cross-border understanding."

Uniting spirit
"Team spirit and good skills are the most important things in football - skin colour, language or social background are not dividing factors," said Bavarian FA president Rainer Koch. "Children do not know any stereotypes when they are born, they learn them in the course of their life from outside input. The fond memories of international friends and of the uniting spirit of this tournament will hopefully encourage our youngsters never to be racist and violent."

Friendly atmosphere
"The young football players are gathering new experiences throughout the tournament, not only on the pitch, but also beyond," added the president of the Football Association of the Czech Republic, Pavel Mokrý. "This develops their skills and abilities and helps build their character. In my opinion, the main impact of the tournament is that the children learn in a friendly atmosphere and compete peacefully in the spirit of fair play."

Click here for the tournament programme