16 Men's and 16 Women's Teams, Over 300 Participants
Isolated and Reclusive Youth Join as Event Staff
Yangsan City in South Gyeongsang Province successfully hosted the 2nd Accidental Futsal Tournament on September 13 at the auxiliary stadium of Yangsan Sports Complex, organized by the Yangsan City Youth Center (Director Park Hyunkyung).
This event was made possible through both national and municipal funding, secured after being selected for the regional youth specialization project contest by the Office for Government Policy Coordination and the Central Youth Support Foundation. Centered around the youth of Yangsan City, the tournament brought together over 300 young people from the Gyeongnam, Busan, and Ulsan regions, who competed passionately and created a meaningful occasion for youth to connect and energize one another.
Notably, this year’s tournament featured 16 men’s teams and 16 women’s teams, expanding the scale compared to last year’s inaugural event. It also drew attention for involving isolated and reclusive youth as part of the event operations staff.
These young people went beyond simple support roles, working alongside youth mentors and participants to help manage the event, thereby developing a sense of responsibility. During the tournament, they also took part in special programs such as the “two-person three-legged mini game” and the “shootout event,” which brought laughter and encouragement to the crowd.
This process not only greatly contributed to the social reintegration and confidence-building of isolated and reclusive youth, but also served as an opportunity to raise awareness among other participants about the diverse support policies offered by the Youth Center.
The atmosphere at the venue was vibrant. Players demonstrated sportsmanship by encouraging one another beyond the spirit of competition, while families, friends, and local residents joined in the cheering, creating a festive mood. In particular, the gathering of youth from Gyeongnam, Busan, and Ulsan for exchange and communication was regarded as the tournament’s greatest achievement.
This year’s tournament was especially meaningful as it provided young people, who are facing difficulties due to the tough job market and economic downturn, with more than just a recreational activity. It became a time for mutual encouragement and empowerment. Through participating in the matches and sweating together, the youth gained a sense of accomplishment, and by laughing and cheering together, they regained vitality in their daily lives. Such experiences are expected to serve as a foundation for these young people to develop the confidence and hope to take on new challenges in the future.
Mayor Na Dongyeon stated, “The futsal tournament has become a healthy platform for youth to interact and sweat together, and it is especially meaningful that isolated and reclusive youth could confidently participate in society. Yangsan City will always support the diverse dreams and passions of young people, and I sincerely hope that, especially in these difficult times, this event will offer new courage and hope to our youth.”
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