When Bayern Munich and Sevilla play in the European Super Cup, they will use a ball covered with paintings by 18 different children.
Accordingly, UEFA's Children's Fund (UEFA Foundation for Children) coordinated with 10 partners to organize a contest for children from all countries in the developed continent. They are encouraged to send drawings expressing the idea of how much football means to them. 18 paintings from more than 200 entries were selected by the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the fund, UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin. Students from 9 European countries (Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, litva, Netherlands, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain and Switzerland) will see their drawings on this unique ball.
From the Czech Republic, Lea and Marcus represented the idea of football for everyone. In Pro Rozvoj, a football program in the Czech Republic, Lea explained the football they play through the picture of a child in a wheelchair with other friends: Football is for everyone, so I want to highlight that. There are no limits, it is just in each person's awareness, if they want to play, they can play. And when children sit on a wheelchair to score, the score is doubled.
Marcus likes team spirit and scores great goals, even though "there are sometimes mistakes and controversies". As a member of the Talent Group run by former striker Ruud van Nistelrooy, Mika va Oscar in the Netherlands won with his painting. Football is not always a victory but also a joy that we have throughout the match, Mika shared.
For Oscar, football has been an important part of his life for the past 8 years. Winning and sometimes losing with friends is the best thing about football! ".
Representing the victory in Portugal, Sara with a painting depicting football as friendship and solidarity: "It is a football field with hearts and girls holding hands".
The three girls from Spain, Daniela, Yolanda and patricio told: The message is that we can all play football and enjoy the game equally around the world. Everyone respects each other, whether you are white, black, disabled, male or female.
Football unites everyone on the basis of equality. Everyone must work together to win, or learn to accept failure.
Friendship is important to help each other, play football together, bring victory and joy, with the efforts of all being recognized, even if some people are better than others".
UEFA President Čeferin was delighted with the initiative: I am sure the children will be nervous to see their drawings of the ball in the Super Cup match and know that the stars in the match will score with that ball. It was inspiring to see all the excellent paintings and hear the stories of the children.
I hope that the joy you feel when seeing your work on the ball for such an important match will motivate you not only to play football but also to pursue your dreams."
The 2020 European Super Cup match between Bayern and Sevilla took place on September 24 at Puskas Arenen Stadium in Budapest (Hungary).
