Giving underprivileged kids a goal in life
Hungarian side offers a sense of belonging and stability to those on the fringes of society
Playing soccer for the last decade has given 22-year-old Hungarian Patrik Paladi friends, a chance to travel, and above all, stability, which has helped him finish secondary school and overcome his family's financial hardships.
A highlight on the pitch for Paladi was winning a silver medal with his team for the under-privileged, homeless and refugees at the Homeless Euro 2024 championship in Hamburg in June, where they faced peers from across Europe.
The team, run by Hungary's Oltalom Sport Association, also competed in the South Korean capital Seoul for the Homeless World Cup late last month.
"I came to train here first about 10 years ago, and I am fairly dedicated," Paladi said.
He proudly lists the countries where he has played with the team, including Wales, host of the 2019 Homeless World Cup.
Oltalom provides regular, free sports opportunities for those living in poverty, homeless people, youngsters raised in institutions and also young refugees.
The association is backed by sponsors, including the European Union's Erasmus+ Programme, the UEFA Foundation for Children and the Common Goal charity, and also relies on donations. It does not receive support from the Hungarian state, and it does not have a permanent training ground. Financing its activities is difficult, Oltalom says.
