EUROASMUS AND FRIENDS CUP 2026 brought together citizens from 20 countries on a single pitch

Launched in 2012, the International Football Tournament at the POSiR Rataje Centre (os. Piastowskie 106A) saw around 80 participants representing 8 teams: South Korea, Nigeria, Palestine, Rwanda, two teams from Turkey, Ukraine and Poland. Poznań University of Life Sciences was represented by the Nigerian and Rwandan teams. It is worth noting, however, that the players came from a total of 20 countries, as some teams also included representatives of other nationalities (in accordance with the rules, at least 4 players had to be citizens of that country). As is tradition, everyone played in accordance with the motto ‘We play together, we cheer together, we celebrate together.’

The tournament gave us the chance to meet people from other countries. There are as many as 20 nationalities here, including Spain, France, Rwanda and South Korea. I really like the organisation of the event; we received all the information from the organiser in advance, which made it much easier for us to take part. As a souvenir, we were given T-shirts for the whole team, which highlights the serious approach to the competition. – comments Julius from Nigeria.

In total, 16 matches were played during the day, initially taking place in 2 groups. The top 4 teams then progressed to the semi-finals, before eventually facing off in the third-place play-off and the grand final. As was the case last year, the final featured teams from Poland and Palestine.

Sometimes we do better, sometimes worse. The tournament is amazing; I really like the initiative itself. We’ve been taking part in it for 5 years now. Unfortunately, we’ve never managed to win the competition, but we’re giving it our all and we’ll keep trying until Palestine comes first. Last year we made it to the final, but unfortunately we lost to the Polish team – emphasises Nedjm from Palestine.

After a match lasting 2 x 8 minutes and with 4 goals scored, it was Poland who were ultimately able to lift the trophy for the best team once again, winning 2–1. In a fiercely contested third-place play-off, in which players from Ukraine and South Korea faced off, Ukraine ultimately celebrated a 3-1 victory. The best goalkeeper of the tournament was a player from Ukraine, whilst the best player was a member of the Polish national team.

I love everything about it – the people, the relaxed atmosphere, and the chance to learn about other countries’ cultures – their customs and languages. Both the participants and the organisers are very friendly and chatty. I’m really glad I was able to spend my time this way. – adds Armel from Rwanda.

The EUROASMUS AND FRIENDS CUP has enjoyed great popularity among the international academic community for years. First organised in 2012 to coincide with the European Championships held in Poznań, the tournament continues to attract many eager participants and demonstrates that the legacy of UEFA Euro 2012 is still very much alive. The tournament also serves another purpose: it brings together students from all over the world who are studying in Poznań and promotes the city globally, thanks to extensive photo reports on social media.

Official website: https://www.poznan.pl/mim/studia/en/euroasmus-and-friends-cup-2017,p,23177,23178,38104.html 
Organizer: Wielkopolska Pracownia Pomysłów
Partners and sponsors: the City of Poznań, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Poznań University of Medical Sciences, Poznań University of Physical Education, Poznań University of Technology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań University of Economics and Business, Wydawnictwo Rebis, KKS Lech Poznań, Cuba Libre Social Club, Drukarnia Drukma

International Relations Office