The 'Club Brugge Younited' team began its 15th soccer season in September. Since the 2008-2009 season, the various partners within this socio-sports project have joined forces to help vulnerable Bruges residents build a better future through the power of soccer.
In honor of this 15-year anniversary, the various collaborating partners decided to enter into a renewed and strengthened commitment in the fight against disadvantage in Bruges. Project partners Club Brugge Foundation, OCMW Brugge, Inloophuis 't Sas, Buurtsport Brugge, CAW Noord-West-Vlaanderen, vzw Wieder and Stad Brugge
therefore strongly believe in the positive impact this team has on the lives of its players.
Kick-off renewed and strengthened commitment
The kickoff of this reinforced commitment was officially given during the solemn signing of a renewed covenant between the various partners, in which the outlines for the future ambitions of this project were made known. The kick-off took place symbolically on the center spot of the Jan Breydel Stadium, in the presence of the various project partners and Bruges Alderman for Sport Franky Demon and Alderman for Social Affairs Pablo Annys.
What is Club Brugge Younited?
By means of adapted training sessions, 'Club Brugge Younited' brings together about 20 socially vulnerable people from Bruges every week to play soccer in the shadow of the Jan Breydel Stadium. These meetings and various team building activities give the players a structure they can build on.
It teaches them to win, lets them build a positive self-image and ensures that they can be part of a (h)real team. In this way they work together to reintegrate into society, participants are brought out of their isolation and a sense of home is created to take an important first step toward a new beginning. Together, we put disadvantage out of business.
Kick-Off Tournament Younited Belgium
Following the signing of this new covenant, the Jan Breydel Stadium was also the stage for the 'Kick-Off Tournament' of Younited Belgium, the national umbrella organization that brings together more than 40 Younited teams from across the country. No fewer than 15 Younited teams - representing 200 Younited players - came down to Bruges to fraternize, organize team-building activities and play a soccer tournament on Club Brugge's practice fields. The organization of this tournament fits perfectly with the many actions currently taking place in Bruges in the build-up to the 'World Day of Resistance against Poverty', which takes place annually on October 17. On Saturday, Oct. 14, for example, there will be a walking tour in which Bruges Dialogue City calls for the right to decent work.
Alderman for Sport, Franky Demon:
"Sports is all about physical challenges, but the social aspect is at least as important. Playing sports together creates connection and that connection is much needed in our society. Through its operations, the City dedicates itself daily to 'sport for all' and it is nice that we are flanked in our efforts by external organizations. Club Brugge is a loyal partner in this field and the non-profit organizations that collaborate on this project are also loyal partners within our Bruges story.
In this case, sport is the engine for reintegration. The Bruges Younited players resume their lives with full motivation. A big step, but with the support of fellow sufferers, trainers and a sporting spirit, the threshold becomes a lot lower and that is invaluable. Playing together is an excellent stepping stone to living together again. We are therefore happy to put our signature to the renewed cooperation covenant once again."
Alderman of Social Affairs and Chairman Special Committee on Social Services & Mintus, Pablo Annys:
"Soccer undoubtedly has the power to bring people together. It is more than just a source of fun and entertainment, but also a powerful tool to break social isolation, and increase the well-being of our community. It has the power to stimulate positive change in the lives of vulnerable citizens.
Working together is the key to success. And so the collaboration between social partners within Club Brugge Younited is a great example of what can be achieved when different organizations join forces and work together towards a common goal. Such initiatives really make a difference in supporting vulnerable citizens of Bruges in their pursuit of a healthier and happier life. Like no other, 'Club Brugge Younited' shows that our city is really about people. And that every citizen knows his/her value. It is therefore with great pride that I underline this inspiring initiative within my powers as alderman. Because together and all together we will lift sport and health to a higher level and offer the Bruges population a better future.
