More than 8,000 children from 27 nations celebrated peaceful coexistence at the start of the annual intercultural youth soccer tournaments organized by KOMM MIT. Around 20 girls' teams from Germany, Austria, Croatia, Slovenia, Austria, Kosovo and Serbia took part in the premiere of the “Girls Football Festival” in Croatia.

KOMM MIT is a member of the campaign”Football For The Goals”, which was proclaimed by the United Nations and stands for sustainable development. At a total of three tournaments in Santa Susanna (Spain) and two tournaments in Croatia, KOMM MIT, as a non-profit organization, will once again connect thousands of children who will go on goal hunting together in 2023. In addition to numerous nations from Europe, teams from Argentina, Canada and Israel had also set out to play a A sign of peaceful coexistence to set.

“I am convinced that soccer can convey messages and values on and off the pitch. For children and young people in particular, positive experiences of success, team spirit and respect through play are of great importance. At our international soccer tournaments, we are also committed to teaching values such as solidarity, equal opportunities and diversity,” says Philipp Reinartz, managing director of KOMM MIT, explaining the goals surrounding the ball.

Start of the GIRLS-FOOTBALL-FESTIVAL

This year's Easter season start was rounded off for the first time with an all-girls tournament, the GIRLS FOOTBALL FESTIVAL. The festival concept was set up back in 2019, but unfortunately fell victim to Corona. Girls' soccer has always been an integral part of KOMM MIT's event calendars. For example, tournaments involving girls in the U-15 and U-18 junior women have been taking place for many years. A total of 20 teams from Germany, Austria, Croatia, Slovenia, Kosovo and Serbia took part in the first “Girls Only” tournament. In addition to the tournament winners, a Fair Play Cup was also awarded, which VfL Sindelfingen won.

“The GIRLS FOOTBALL FESTIVAL 2023 in Croatia was a wonderful idea to bring participants from all countries closer together through fun and games — we are proud to be able to support the festival as a partner,” says Roland Bischof, President German Football Ambassador e.V.

As with all KOMM MIT soccer tournaments, the focus is on intercultural exchange on and off the pitch. “It is always nice for us to see which club friendships develop through our events, including mutual invitations to tournaments,” says Reinartz, highlighting the great side effect of the tournaments.

The GIRLS FOOTBALL FESTIVAL also aims at the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5 “Gender Equality”. KOMM MIT is following this goal in particular with its girls' initiatives and is thus making an active contribution worldwide in the fight against all forms of discrimination against and violence against women and girls.