VfB’s busy schedule in and around the bustling city on the Atlantic Ocean was by no means limited to football. The U17s spent a lot of time with their counterparts from partner outfit Sao Paulo FC, playing teqball, table tennis or football together at the club’s complex. This not only fostered healthy competition between the youngsters but also created new friendships, cemented – despite the language barrier – through gestures, laughter and playing sport together.
Unforgettable memories
Off the pitch, the main highlights of the trip included a stadium tour of the legendary Estadio do Morumbi, home of Sao Paulo, and a visit to one of the Brazilian club’s home league matches. The fans’ excitement, the atmosphere in the arena and being able to witness a Brazilian football match first-hand gave the VfB players a sense of the impact the game has in the country. VfB officials also learned about Brazilian football and Sao Paulo FC in workshops on talent development and scouting.
Another experience that stood out was the visit to the favelas of Sao Paulo, giving the VfB contingent a unique insight into the lives of many people in Brazil. The trip provided plenty of food for thought and remained a hot topic of conversation for several days afterwards. The same goes for the visit to the Instituto Sementinha, the social project supported by VfB legend Cacau and the VfB foundation Brustring der Herzen. The boys learned how education and sport open doors for children from difficult backgrounds.
Many of the players were struck by the enthusiasm with which Brazilian people go about their daily lives, and the important role football plays as a source of motivation, a place of refuge and an enjoyable pastime.
Tough games
There was business to be done on the pitch, too. First up for VfB was a game against Sao Paulo’s U17 side, which ended in a 2-0 defeat after the Stuttgart lads had fallen behind early on. Head coach Daniel Jungwirth and his coaching team decided to play another friendly against their counterparts from Sao Paulo, who rescued a draw with their final attack of the game to cancel out Brayann Kenmoe’s opener.
In their next game against Ituano FC, VfB started well and went in front again through Kenmoe, only to slip to a 4-1 defeat. They also trailed against Desportivo Brasil but recovered to claim their first win, with Kirill Serdiuk, Luca Berreth, Tom Brenner and Ata Cebi getting the goals in a 4-2 triumph.
“We saw what we’d expected,” said Jungwirth. “The lads struggled a bit with the Brazilians’ tougher approach, but that’s exactly why these experiences are so valuable from a sporting point of view. We’re still finding ourselves, but we’re happy we were able to end the trip in a positive manner.”
Enormous gratitude
As they make their way back to Stuttgart, the U17s can reflect on a trip that was so much more than just a football visit. It strengthened the team as a group, broadened the horizons of the players and allowed friendships to blossom.
The hosts’ warm welcome and hospitality will also live long in the memory. “I’m glad we got the chance to come here,” concluded Jungwirth. “We had many great experiences and the hospitality was tremendous. The Brazilians welcomed us with open arms and were always there for us.”
