Organized and hosted by the National Sports Agency, the “Together to the Final” sports day focused, of course, on football. This special event marked an important step in preparing for the 2026 UEFA Champions League Final, featuring a youth small-field tournament held in cooperation with the Hungarian Football Federation (MLSZ).
During the day, U11 teams competed against each other: a total of 33 squads took the field, with matches played across four pitches. The atmosphere was electric, and the games were extremely exciting.
Our team faced Monor in the first match. Although we ultimately lost, it’s important to remember that this was the first time we played together—and that showed on the pitch. The second opponent was the prestigious Budapest Honvéd Academy, a well-coordinated and strong team. Everyone gave their best, and our enthusiasm was undeniable. In our third match against Héhalom, we initially took the lead, but the opponent scored twice, leaving the final score 1:2.
Although we finished the tournament without points, the experiences and lessons were invaluable. Between matches, children could participate in various supplementary activities: darts football, heading machines, seated football, green screen challenges, kick strength measurements, and cage football—everyone could test themselves in multiple playful challenges. Good performance was rewarded with small prizes, which further boosted the fun.
Our Foundation also participated in the event with our own information stand, welcoming visitors. It was particularly delightful that our youngest helpers joined us—their enthusiasm, kindness, and helpfulness gave a huge boost to the day. Their presence made the stand friendlier and actively contributed to the success of the program.
Visitors to our stand could learn about the goals and activities of our Foundation, gaining insight into the work we do every day. We also offered skill-based challenges: playful yet thought-provoking tasks with prizes for participants. This small extra motivation encouraged many to try themselves out while engaging joyfully in the experience.
The highlight of the day, however, was meeting some of Hungarian football’s greats: Lajos Détári, Krisztián Lisztes, Péter Kabát, András Telek, Attila Hajdú, Géza Mészöly, and Antal Nagy visited the event, where children could request autographs and exchange a few words with them. These moments will remain lifelong memories for the young players.
The “Together to the Final” sports day was about more than football—it celebrated community, friendship, and the connection between generations.
We also had the unique opportunity to stand among Puskás Öcsi’s personal items, photos, and memorabilia, feeling as if we could briefly become part of the legend he created on the field. We saw the memories behind his successes, felt the atmosphere of his victories, and gained a deeper understanding of the man who is one of the greatest figures in football history, not just in Hungary but worldwide.
We thank Péter Bíró, CEO and President of the NSÜ, and all the helpers who made this wonderful day possible.
Benett Levente Horváth, Nagybajom Group 1; Ferenc Horváth, Jászság Group 3