Munich, Germany – In a remarkable moment that transcended national boundaries, 11 Bulgarian children experienced the thrill of a lifetime as they stepped onto the field during the Euro 2024 semi-final match between Spain and France.
This unique opportunity, made possible by a leading supermarket chain sponsoring the tournament, allowed the young football enthusiasts to meet their idols in front of 62,042 spectators.
The semi-final, held at the Allianz Arena in Munich, saw Spain secure a 2-1 victory over France, with the presence of these young Bulgarians coincidentally aiding the morale of Luis de la Fuente’s squad.
Among the 11 children, 10 boys and 1 girl were selected to participate in the UEFA Player Escort program, which included a total of 1,100 children from across Europe.
This prestigious program requires a rigorous selection process, with two spots reserved for children of company employees, while the remaining nine are chosen during national matches.
The excitement of interacting with top-tier football players was complemented by an educational and cultural experience organized by the tournament’s sponsors.
The children were treated to sightseeing tours around Munich and its picturesque surroundings, enriching their visit with historical and cultural insights.
“I couldn’t believe it when I found out I was selected,” said one of the young participants, still in awe after the event. “Meeting the players and walking onto the pitch was like a dream come true.”
The Bulgarian presence at Euro 2024 extended beyond the field. Bulgarian national flags were prominently displayed across host cities, symbolizing the country’s deep-rooted passion for football.
Iveta Bankova, head of the international department at the Bulgarian Football Union (BFU), attended four group stage matches, including the highly anticipated clash between Spain and Italy.
Bankova expressed her pride in the involvement of Bulgarian children in such a prestigious event. “It’s an incredible honor for these kids and for our country. They represent the future of Bulgarian football and embody the spirit of our nation.”
The Bulgarian contribution to the tournament was not limited to player escorts. Stanislav Kolev played a crucial role in the tournament’s operations as part of the team responsible for VAR (Video Assistant Referee) replays. His expertise ensured the smooth functioning of the video replay system, an essential component of modern football officiating.
Valentin Vaklinov also contributed behind the scenes, serving as one of the backup operators for the video replay system. His meticulous work helped maintain the high standards of accuracy and fairness that are pivotal to the tournament’s integrity.
The participation of Bulgarian children in the Euro 2024 semi-finals is a testament to the country’s growing engagement with international football. It underscores the importance of nurturing young talent and providing them with opportunities to experience the sport at the highest levels.
As Euro 2024 progresses, the memories of this event will undoubtedly inspire the young participants and fuel their aspirations. For these 11 children, the experience was more than just a day out; it was a moment of inspiration, fostering a deeper love for the beautiful game and a connection to the global football community.
In a tournament filled with memorable moments, the story of these Bulgarian children stands out as a heartwarming reminder of the unifying power of sports, bringing together young fans and their heroes on one of football’s grandest stages.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members