Over 400 teenagers participated in the camp and having first learnt about Europe’s cultural diversity in countless workshops, they were finally able to come together in Lichtenstein to meet with their compatriots from across Europe. The climax of this eventful programme was a Fair Play football tournament held in Vaduz, Lichtenstein.

For many football-obsessed teenagers, this was the trip of a lifetime. After both long and short journeys across Europe, international delegations from Albania, Finland, Cyprus, Ukraine, Spain, and many other countries settled into their accommodation in Camp Steinach and Trogen. The week then kicked-off with a large opening ceremony that included prominent guests, dance performances by the Azerbaijani and Lithuanian delegations and a breathtaking football-trick show that left all the participants excited about the week’s program to follow.

During the next few days, the participants attended intercultural workshops dealing with the themes of Fair Play, identity, children’s rights and collected their first experiences of the Fair Play Football method. Kathlyn, a member of the Scottish side, was enthusiastic: “The YOUTH CAMP is so much fun! We have met friends from so many different countries!”

On Wednesday, September 17th, Camp Trogen played host to a very special guest. Willi Lemke, Special Advisor to the U.N. Secretary General of Sport for Development and Peace, was there in person to participate in the workshops. “I’m happy to be here at the camp and to meet these teenagers who have come from all over Europe. I would like you all to take one thing away with you, that respect and Fair Play should be central principles in our lives because peaceful coexistence is the most important thing in our world.” Lemke’s words were met with applause from the assembled teenagers.

In Lichtenstein participants from both camps were finally able to meet and get to know each other. After a sightseeing tour through Vaduz, teenagers from 53 nations slept under the same roof, eagerly anticipating the tournament’s first day of action

Under a shining sun, the mixed-nationality teams competed in a two-day-long Fair Play football tournament. At the closing ceremony held in the presence of the Crown Prince of Lichtenstein, Senes Erzik, the first Vice President of UEFA, addressed the youngsters: “Football is open to all. Size, colour, and religion play no role. Participation is more important than winning and goals are more beautiful than trophies or money – young people understand this!”

On the day of departure, despite tearful goodbyes, everyone agreed that at the EUROSCHOOLS YOUTH CAMP 2008 they had met friends for life.

The action continues on May 6th, 2009 when all the participating schools will stage the international FAIR PLAY DAY 2009. There, the participants will apply what they learnt at the EUROSCHOOLS YOUTH CAMP 2008 and as ambassadors of UEFA-member nations by organising and carrying out Fair Play football tournaments at their respective schools.

The EUROSCHOOLS YOUTH CAMP 2008 was coordinated by streetfootballworld, the Swiss Academy for Development, FairPlay-vidc and the Stiftung Kinderdorf Pestalozzi. The project sponsors, in addition to UEFA, include the EU Program “Youth in Action,” the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, as well as the Lichtenstein Football Association.

More Information can be found at: www.euroschools2008.org/youthcamp.php.

Translated into English by Jordan Krechmer.