FC Midtjylland once again opened its doors to children and young people from residential homes for socially vulnerable families, this time on a Wednesday afternoon. This event aimed to spotlight mental health and was organized in partnership with the IPower My Life project. The gathering was held at Dream99 in Ikast and brought together 25 participants for a day dedicated to confidence, wellbeing, and togetherness. This initiative received support from the Novo Nordisk Foundation.
Building Confidence Through Community Engagement
FCM Samfund welcomed the group with a shared lunch, followed by the distribution of signed team jerseys, which many participants immediately donned with pride. The rest of the afternoon was filled with engaging activities, including football, martial arts, and group exercises, facilitated by first-team and former players such as Jonas Lössl, Razak Pimpong, and Sanne Troelsgaard.
Organizers stressed the importance of mental and physical health being interconnected. By meeting young people on their terms, they aimed to boost motivation for physical activity. Staff and players worked diligently to create an environment where participants felt acknowledged and supported, underscoring how positive spirits and solidarity can enhance resilience.
A particularly impactful segment of the event was a question-and-answer session centered around vulnerability. Lössl and Pimpong shared their personal stories and challenges, fostering a safe space for the children and teenagers to participate and voice their questions. This openness helped create a sense of trust and community among the attendees.
Project lead Pelle Plesner emphasized the significance of providing stable and supportive settings while surrounding participants with trained, caring adults. He highlighted that previous events had been profoundly meaningful for many attendees, with some expressing that these experiences were among the best days of their lives. For young people who have faced challenging circumstances that may strain their trust in adults and in themselves, these positive interactions can hold immense value.
One enthusiastic 13-year-old participant arrived in club gear, eager to meet the players and engage in the activities. He expressed that the day provided a much-needed opportunity to get out, be active with peers, and enjoy sports together. He was particularly thrilled to return home with a signed jersey, a keepsake from an unforgettable day.
For FC Midtjylland, fostering community is at the heart of these initiatives. By uniting young people with similar life experiences through sports, the club and its partners strive to build confidence, create lasting memories, and strengthen social connections.