Player Ki Sungyong and the Underswings Football Club are taking a commemorative photo after finishing the soccer camp. World Vision
On June 23, international relief and development NGO World Vision (President: Cho Myunghwan) announced that it held the "2025 Ki Sungyong UndersWings Elite Football Club" soccer camp in collaboration with FC Seoul player Ki Sungyong.
Since 2022, World Vision and Ki Sungyong have operated the "Ki Sungyong UndersWings Elite Football Club," supporting talented children so that they do not have to give up on their dreams of becoming soccer players due to financial hardship, and can grow into the next generation of football talent.
This camp was attended by 40 children who passed the first round of document screening, and they underwent skills tests and interviews. Ki Sungyong personally monitored the matches on site and provided one-on-one, tailored feedback, encouraging the children's dreams and passion. During the subsequent interviews, the abilities and aspirations of each child were comprehensively assessed. After the skills tests, Professor Lee Seungjae from Mokpo National University’s Department of Physical Education was invited to give a special lecture on safe training and health management for youth players. The lecture consisted of both theory and practical sessions, providing practical guidelines that could be applied directly in training environments.
The selected children will receive a one-year football scholarship, mentoring, and expert education programs. In particular, the scholarship will be used not only for football activity expenses but also to support the children’s holistic development, including nutrition, medical care, and physical strength enhancement.
Choi Sihun (alias, senior in high school), who participated in the soccer camp, said, "I was so happy when I heard that I was selected as a scholarship recipient last year because I thought it would ease the burden on my parents. I often get minor injuries while playing, and the cost of treatment was a heavy burden, so I often endured the pain. Thanks to the scholarship, I was able to receive treatment without worry and focus on injury management." He added, "I want to achieve good results in the upcoming summer tournament and give back in return."
Ki Sungyong said, "I can see the children growing every year, and I am happy to be able to contribute to that process."
Cho Myunghwan, President of World Vision, stated, "It is important to connect children who do not lose their dreams despite difficult circumstances with good mentors and open the 'door of opportunity' for them. Social efforts to provide fair educational opportunities are urgently needed so that children do not have to give up on their dreams."
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