Wednesday afternoon in Eindhoven. A light rain mixed with the growing excitement in the city as a long-awaited match was about to begin. But that afternoon, something happened that went far beyond goals and league tables, as 24 children and teenagers from Eindhoven and the surrounding area experienced how football can touch people and open up new perspectives. Together with the PSV Foundation, FC Bayern got involved in the PSV YOUNITE programme, which combines sport, exchange and personal development for children and teenagers.
YOUNITE focuses on exercise, teamwork and educational stimuli designed to empower young people. Across several modules, participants learn to take responsibility, accept setbacks and courageously pursue their own goals. These are skills that extend far beyond sport.
Makaay makes appearance
Two guests with impressive stories provided particular inspiration that afternoon in Romal Abdi, head of E-Sports at PSV, and FC Bayern legend Roy Makaay. Abdi recounted his life story, from fleeing his home country to his current role in professional sport, and conveyed a clear message to the young people to believe in yourself, accept setbacks and not lose heart.
Makaay also shared personal insights into his career. Before the eager eyes of his young audience, he spoke about goals and titles, but also about the highs and lows of his career, about success and defeats. He emphasised how crucial it is to maintain enjoyment of the game and one's own goals, even in difficult times.
At the end of the event, the guests took time to talk and give autographs. The youngsters received FC Bayern jerseys, personally signed by Makaay. For them, it was more than just an item on the agenda; it was an afternoon full of encounters, motivation and new perspectives. FC Bayern made a significant impact where it can have a lasting effect – right at the heart of the lives of young people in Eindhoven.
A few hours later, FC Bayern won the match at Philips Stadium 2–1. Although the two teams faced each other on the pitch, they showed on that day what combined efforts can achieve off it.
Bayern also visited a school when Union Saint-Gilloise visited Munich:
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