The "Portas do Mar" sports hall in Ponta Delgada welcomed the football tournament "Futebol de Rua 2012."

The initiative, promoted by the Regional Secretariat for Labour and Social Solidarity, through the Azores Institute for Social Development, was attended by 120 youngsters who are currently integrated in the regional network of Youth Development and Inclusion Centres (CDIJ) on São Miguel.

The Regional Director for Youth, who was attended the tournament final, thanked the efforts undertaken by all those involved in the organisation of the event. "This tournament is the evidence of the work carried out by all CDIJ whose action is widely praised by the Government of the Azores. Without your commitment, which often goes beyond their duties, the Government's goals would not have been accomplished."

Tournament counted on the participation of 16 teams from several Private Social Solidarity Institutions (IPSS) and Youth Development and Inclusion Centres; the second day of competition was dedicated to the teams selected to the quarter finals.

The tournament final took place at 1 PM with the prize-delivery ceremony and a friendly game between the technicians who accompanied the participants.

The National Tournament will be held in Beja on July 19-22 and international competition is scheduled for October in Mexico.

"Futebol de Rua" (Street Football) is a competition held at a regional, national and international level. This initiative has already become a successful practice throughout the world. It aims to combat social fragility, returning to each participant's its self-esteem and the sense of belonging to a group by breaking social boundaries and empowering individuals with a greater sense of responsibility and shared goals.

"As you know, the Government has made a decisive investment in this area so that all youngsters may have their opportunity. With the technicians of IPSS and respective services, with volunteers and with the leaders of various institutions we want that socially fragile youngsters be able to find their place in the Azorean society," stated Bruno Pacheco at the tournament’s closing ceremony.

The initiative is jointly organised by the Youth Development and Inclusion Centre, "Perkursos", one of the various initiatives developed by Kairós - solidarity economy cooperative.

The regional network of Youth Development and Inclusion Centres aims to provide a response to youngsters, aged between 15 and 21 years, who are at risk of social exclusion or who are facing severe problems, such as family neglect, school drop-out, risky behaviour in the area of addictions and criminality.