June 30 – The Hellenic Football Federation (EPO) has unveiled it new grassroots development programme, dubbed ‘Renaissance’, aimed at nurturing young talent across Greece. The program emphasises a structured organisation of football academies and is set to usher in a new era for the sport in the country.
Part of the EPO’s core objectives is to secure a modern training centre that will serve as the home for its National Teams, providing state-of-the-art facilities for national squads.
The EPO has partnered with One For The Game, known for its experience in organising youth football, to adapt and implement this programme within the Greek context. The programme will specifically target club academies and regional Football Union (EPS) branches.
EPO Ppresident Makis Gagatsis emphasised that the programme was built by experienced individuals with a clear vision, stressing the administration’s commitment to upgrading national teams, acquiring a modern training centre, and significantly bolstering developmental football from a young age.
“The ‘Renaissance’ programme was built step by step by people with experience, knowledge and, above all, a vision for something substantial. The real success of the project is not judged today, but in what follows. And we are committed to being present in these, with consistency and work. Our management has defined a clear course from day one: the upgrading of the National Teams, the acquisition of a modern and functional training center and the substantial strengthening of developmental football from young ages,” said Gagatsis.
“We did not undertake these commitments to fulfill communication purposes. Everything we say, we do and we will do. It is time for the vision to become reality. It is time for Greek football to acquire the identity, the momentum and the future it deserves.”
Konstantinos Vrakas, a member of the EPO’s Executive Committee and president of the ‘Renaissance’ special committee, outlined key pillars. These include establishing a unified training centre, promoting the participation of young Greek players (boys and girls), mandating players under 21 as starters in the Greek Cup, increasing the number of Greek players in Super League 2, and requiring two Greek starters in the Gamma Ethniki (third national division).
The programme will be presented at regional gatherings, inviting all stakeholders to participate and contribute to this collective effort.
Contact the writer of this story, Aleksander Krassimorov, at moc.l1751316389labto1751316389ofdlr1751316389owedi1751316389sni@o1751316389fni1751316389