Youngsters enjoy final feeling

Football's grassroots took centre stage on the eve of the UEFA Cup final as FC Eindhoven hosted a tournament for the game's younger generations.

Youthful complexion
The Dutch second division side provided the setting for a UEFA-sponsored event that attracted some 130 children for the final round of a competition organised by local amateur clubs. The participants were split into three groups: 4-5 year olds, mixed teams of 10-12 year olds, and disabled children and teenagers. Also taking part were four school teams who had come out on top in a mini-tournament in April.

Boban support
As proud parents flashed their cameras, the boys and girls had the opportunity of having their picture taken with a replica of the UEFA Cup. One interested observer was former Croatian international midfielder Zvonimir Boban, who was among the members of the UEFA players' panel to offer their support to the occasion. "It is the most wonderful thing in the world to see these children playing," he said, when not signing autographs. "I am delighted to be able to share this event with them. It reminds me of my own time as a little boy, and they look so wonderful and skilful out there on the pitch.

'Share a dream'
"The UEFA grassroots programme is fantastic – it shows that all children, without exception, can be given an equal chance to share a dream," he added. Former PSV Eindhoven and Netherlands goalkeeper Hans van Breukelen attended in his role as UEFA Cup final ambassador, and he said: "Youth football is where it all starts. I began at a small amateur club where I was taken care of, coached and educated by excellent trainers, who were not professionals. It is important for national associations and UEFA to support these events." All the participants in the FC Eindhoven tournament will receive medals from UEFA players' panel members before kick-off in Wednesday's final between Sevilla FC and Middlesbrough FC at the PSV Stadion.