A football championship at its finest
On June 11, students from class VII.B at Sáromberke Primary School organized a football championship on the school’s sports field. The event was conceived as an exciting opportunity for their fellow students from grades I–IV to compete, within a program held weekly by the youth mentors of the “Rise” project run by Caritas Alba Iulia. The seventh-grade students are mentored by Éva Bojoievschi and Áron Székely from Târgu Mureș, who support the youth in developing self-awareness, identifying their individual strengths and skills, and exploring different professions.
During one of the sessions, the profession of human resources manager -HR- was discussed, which sparked genuine interest among the students. As a result, the career guidance specialists offered the students an opportunity to experience the HR role through playful, hands-on activities. The seventh-graders were invited to freely choose four out of twelve project ideas. Those who signed up became the coordinators of the topics they selected.
Each project plan symbolized a specific job, for which the young HR managers had to recruit candidates, while the applicants had to present themselves for the roles based on their skills.
Among the four projects, organizing a sports activity proved to be the most popular. The project team proposed the idea of a school football championship, which was then organized on June 11 for students in grades I–IV, on the sports field behind the school building. The first graders played against the second graders, and the third graders competed with the fourth graders. The winners of the first round were the first graders, and
in the second round, the third graders emerged victorious. In the grand finale between the first and third grades, the third-grade team claimed the victory. The players were driven by an inner joy and energy, which was evident in the intensity of the game, the freedom of their movements, and their unwavering encouragement of one another. This energy was also felt by the audience, composed of students and teachers – who cheered them on
enthusiastically.
Through the event planning experience, the seventh-grade students were able to explore specific aspects of the human resources profession in a practical way and firsthand, while also facing the challenges of organizing a sports event: planning, attention to detail, managing the process, maintaining control, and bringing everything to a successful close. One of the referees remarked that the role requires intense concentration and the ability to withstand the distractions of a noisy crowd, including, at times, the pressure that comes with the most colorful remarks from the sidelines. Meanwhile, the students also had the chance to test and develop their skills in the field of sports: speed, agility, flexibility, endurance, and strategic thinking in football. At the same time, a group of girls participated in a jump rope competition. This playful activity tested their physical abilities while also igniting their competitive spirit.
Individual talents often emerge in specific situations, and self-confidence is rooted in the awareness of one’s own strengths. Knowing our skills and having healthy self-confidence are valuable sources of motivation for continuing education and conscious career choices. This seemingly small event points toward such far-reaching goals.
Article, photos: Júlia Orbán
Translation: Karola Bartos-Siposs
This event was organized in the framework of project „Rise” with the financial support of the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Commission. Neither the European Union nor the European comission can be held responsible for them.
Similar articles:
Methodological Guide – Youth For Change >>>
Methodological Toolkit – Youth For Change >>>
Teaching is only worthwhile with love and understanding >>>
About Rise >>>