Seoul 2024 Homeless World Cup Korean squad train with FC Bayern Munich
Today (2nd August), one of the most famous clubs in the world, FC Bayern Munich invited the Seoul 2024 Homeless World Cup Korean players to join their coaching team in a specially organised training session as part of the Bayern Youth Cup taking place in Seoul.
Led by several Bayern staff, the players took part in activities which are practiced by the current FC Bayern Munich squad and replicated a number of drills which the likes of England captain Harry Kane and Korea’s very own Kim Min-jae do week in week out as part of their training schedule.
The Foundation’s Chief Operating Officer James McMeekin was asked to join FC Bayern Munich’s Vice Presidents, Professor Dr Dieter Mayer and Walter Mennekes at a special ceremony in Seoul to mark the occasion.
Dr. Dierter spoke highly about the Homeless World Cup Foundation:
"We're very proud that we as FC Bayern Munich get to meet the Homeless World Cup team of South Korea here," said Mayer by the side of the training pitch.
For decades, our club has been characterised by the fact that it always looks out for people who are less fortunate. Presidents such as Uli Hoeneß and Franz Beckenbauer embedded the social conscience in the club's DNA, and our current leadership around Herbert Hainer are continuing this tradition. The Homeless World Cup helps to improve the prospects of the people affected. Football unites and creates a feeling of community – and our club wants to offer everyone a home."
Second vice president Walter Mennekes said at the event:
“The club regularly aids the Munich food bank in our home city, not least through our FC Bayern basketball team, which specifically targets disadvantaged people. We are also committed to combating discrimination and marginalisation of all kinds with our 'Red against Racism' initiative.
The Homeless World Cup "draws attention to an important issue", Mennekes continued. "According to Human Rights Watch, nearly 150 million people worldwide are currently homeless, and the hidden figure is certainly much higher. We can generate awareness and solidarity through sport. FC Bayern wants to do its bit here."
James McMeekin, Homeless World Cup Foundation’s Chief Operating Officer, said:
“Our players are what make the Homeless World Cup. We are incredibly grateful for FC Bayern Munich’s generosity and kindness shown towards the Korean team and the local organising committee, the players were shown the dignity and respect they deserve. To offer them the chance to be a part of this event and for them to experience an occasion like they have today, is another positive milestone in their journey and one that will inspire them and others ahead of this year’s Seoul 2024 Homeless World Cup in September.
Being homeless can be incredibly isolating, making people feel removed from society and alone. FC Bayern Munich, the entire senior team, staff and their coaches made the players welcome and allowed them the chance to be themselves and to play football - something which means so much to them and to the Homeless World Cup Foundation.”
|(L-R) Homeless World Cup Foundation Chief Operating Officer James McMeekin who was part of the ceremony in Seoul alongside FC Bayern vice presidents Walter Mennekes and Prof. Dr. Dierter Mayer
FC Bayern’s Noussair Mazraoui watched a documentary about the Homeless World Cup before the event and explained:
"I'm glad to be able to meet the Seoul 2024 Homeless World Cup squad and organisers. It's important that a club like FC Bayern highlights such issues."
The Moroccan international along with former FCB captain Raimond Aumann, made themselves widely available for selfies and autographs with the team, while the vice presidents presented Korean men’s Seoul 2024 Homeless World Cup Manager Paul Lee with a Minjae Kim-signed away jersey to applause from the team. "It's the FC Bayern philosophy to also care for those in difficulty," said 1990 World Cup winner Aumann. "That's something else that has made our club so special for decades."
|(L-R) FC Bayern vice president Walter Mennekes, 1990 World Cup winning goalkeeper and FC Bayern legend Raimond Aumann, Korean Manager Paul Lee, Prof. Dr. Dierter Mayer and first team player Noussair Mazraoui with a signed Minjae Kim shirt presented to the team.