The Werder Youngstars are back from the Genuine World Cup in the USA, bringing unforgettable experiences and good results back to Bremen with them.
The Werder Youngstars are back from the Genuine World Cup in the USA, bringing unforgettable experiences and good results back to Bremen with them.
The second-ever inclusion tournament in Houston took place this year, and it was the first time the Werder Youngstars took part. 40 teams from across the whole world competed against one another in a group stage, followed by a final round. “We went into the competition with the motto ‘experience before results’ and we were able to achieve both from the outset,” said supervisor Timo Podsendek. “The NASA Space Center was a fantastic experience on the first day. The day after, we won our first game of the tournament 6-4 against Newcastle United.”
Victories against Guatemalan side CSD Municipal as well as Athletic Bilbao followed. Against the Football Futures Foundation from Australia, AS Roma and Manchester City, the Green-Whites were forced to admit defeat. Nevertheless, Youngstar Ferdinand Halen said: “It was the best tournament of all time! I scored my first ever tournament goal.” Teammate Luca Timmer also found the trip simply “brilliant.”
Off the pitch, the Youngstars got to experience a wide range of activities. Besides the visit to NASA, a Houston Astros baseball game was also on the agenda, as well as the Genuine Connect Conference, where sportspeople and speakers discussed inclusion and empowerment.
In addition to this, the travelling Werder group will treasure the memories of many new friendships. “It was a unique experience to get to know new friends from all over the world,” said Podsendek. “Everyone got the chance to grow with this fantastic experience.”
The sustainability department at SV Werder Bremen is supported by our sustainability partners. For years, they have promoted our projects and programme and make an incredibly valuable contribution to the sustainable engagements of the Green-Whites.
