From 19 to 21 June, the Portuguese cities of Ourém and Fátima hosted the participants of the second edition of the "Youth for Peace" International Football Tournament. Organised by the Municipality of Ourém in cooperation with local sports partners, the event continued an initiative launched in 2025. From the very beginning, the tournament was designed as more than just a sporting competition – its main goal is to promote peace, mutual respect, and cooperation among young Europeans.
This year's edition brought together sixteen teams from eight European countries, including representatives of the Shrines of Europe cities. Young players from Częstochowa and Wadowice (Poland), Lourdes (France), Altötting (Germany), Levoča (Slovakia), Raseiniai (Lithuania), Uherský Brod (Czech Republic) and Esztergom (Hungary) met on Portuguese football pitches. They were joined by teams from the Ourém region, making the tournament a true celebration of youth football and European cooperation.
Matches were played at several stadiums in Ourém, Fátima and nearby towns. Over three days, the young footballers competed for victory, but from the very beginning it was emphasised that sporting success was not the event's only objective. Equally important were the values promoted throughout the tournament: fair play, mutual respect, solidarity and cooperation despite cultural and linguistic differences.
The team from Lourdes, France, won the final and successfully defended the title they claimed in the inaugural edition. Clube Atlético Ouriense finished second, while Esztergom secured third place. The Fair Play Award went to the team from Raseiniai, Lithuania, in recognition of their exemplary attitude and respect for their opponents throughout the competition.
For many participants, this was their first opportunity to meet peers from so many different European countries, making the tournament a valuable sporting, social and cultural experience.
From the outset, the organisers stressed that "Youth for Peace" is about bringing young people together through their shared passion for football. The tournament reflects the values promoted by the Shrines of Europe network: dialogue, peace, solidarity and mutual understanding. It is no coincidence that Fátima, known worldwide as a place of pilgrimage and a symbol of peace and reconciliation, hosts the event.
The programme offered much more than football matches. Participants visited the Sanctuary of Fátima, explored the historic centre of Ourém with its medieval castle, discovered local traditions and history, and enjoyed time on Portugal's Atlantic coast, including São Martinho do Porto. Cultural activities and informal gatherings created opportunities to build friendships and learn about one another's cultures.
These experiences beyond the football pitch are what make the tournament unique. Sharing time together, exchanging experiences and discovering different cultures are considered just as important as the matches themselves, helping to strengthen relationships between young people from partner cities.
Sport has always had the power to unite people regardless of language, nationality or beliefs. Football teaches responsibility, teamwork and respect for opponents, showing that healthy competition can go hand in hand with friendship. In a world increasingly marked by divisions, initiatives such as "Youth for Peace" remind us that young people can help build a Europe founded on dialogue, trust and cooperation.
This year's tournament took place at a time when the football world is focused on the FIFA World Cup. It is a reminder that football has many dimensions – beyond the biggest stadiums and international stars, there are events such as "Youth for Peace", where what matters most is bringing young people together through a shared passion, mutual respect and the spirit of fair play.
We would like to thank our partners in Ourém for their excellent organisation and warm hospitality, as well as all the teams, coaches and team leaders for their participation and for creating the unique atmosphere of this event. We look forward to meeting again on the pitch next year and once again showing that sport truly brings people together across borders.
