Inter Campus Poland, the Genuine Cup concludes | OneFootball

HOUSTON - The 2025 Genuine Cup, hosted by Rice University in Houston, Texas, concluded yesterday after 140 games played and over 500 goals scored. It was an ode to sport and inclusion with participants from all around the world. Boca Juniors, Manchester City, Bayer Leverkusen, and Barcelona were just some of the 40 clubs, great and small, that took part in the tournament. They all went head to head with disability and challenged themselves, proving that football is for everyone. Inter Campus was present, represented by a group of kids from two special needs schools in Krakow.

Away from the pitch, the true magic was woven into the day-to-day: from simply being together to educational and recreational activities, such as visits to NASA, museums, and Houston Astros baseball games. Every moment turned into a chance to get to know one another, regardless of language and beyond any barriers. It was all about discovering new cultures through football and laughing together before kick-off.

It was an atmosphere of respect and education, which was open to everyone and with no barriers. There was a clear desire to help one another, not only between teammates but between teams as well, conscious of the fact that they were representing their countries but were together in union. Rather than obsession over results, we saw genuine determination, as reflected in the competition’s name, to have fun. It was learning to smile through a defeat or celebrate together with their opponents. Stereotypes were cast aside and, in their place, a positive message of joy ruled the day. The kids from Inter Campus (Andrei, Alan, Bartoz, Bartoz, Oskar, Zuzanna, Olivia, Bolek, David and Daniel) may not have won many games, but they won hearts and minds due to their immense joy and perfect behaviour. They received invites to future events and made their coaches proud.

When it was time to return home, as is often the case, sadness hung in the air. There was a feeling that it was the end of something unique. On the plane back to Europe, the presence of three other teams kept the dream alive for a few more hours, as the kids looked back on goals and celebrations. Some pins from teams from distant lands made their way into various suitcases, and they also brought home the emotions and memories that will stay with these kids forever. Some of them were saying that it was an incredible yet unrepeatable experience, while others were already looking forward to 2026. In any case, Inter Campus will be there.