Corfu, June 14 – The first day of the ‘Ball in the Square’ event, organized by the Panathinaikos Academy in Corfu, was successfully completed yesterday, June 13, 2026. The event, held in Kato Plateia, brought together several local academies under the watchful eye of representatives from PAE Panathinaikos, fostering a spirit of sportsmanship and community engagement.
Panathinaikos Academy Hosts ‘Ball in the Square’
The initiative, aimed at promoting football among young athletes, saw enthusiastic participation from the academies of Panathinaikos, Thinaliakos, PAO Sfakianakis, Olympos, and Orfeas. The event was attended by key figures from PAE Panathinaikos, including Thodoris Eleftheriadis, Andreas Lagonikakis, Giannis Koulouriotis, and Dionysis Papanastasis, underscoring the club’s commitment to grassroots football development.
Engaging Activities and Official Recognition
Vangelis Karpatselis, head of the Panathinaikos Academy in Corfu, along with his team, actively guided the young participants through various matches and training sessions. A special training activity was also conducted, involving coaches from the participating academies. In a gesture of recognition, a delegation from PAE Panathinaikos and the organizing Panathinaikos Academy visited the municipal hall, where they were welcomed by the Mayor of Central Corfu, Stefanos Poulimenos, and Deputy Mayors Mr. Vlassis and Mr. Vradis. Commemorative gifts were exchanged during the visit, highlighting the collaborative spirit between the sports organizations and local authorities.
Awards and Future Prospects
All children who participated in the ‘Ball in the Square’ event received certificates of participation and commemorative gifts, celebrating their involvement and encouraging their continued passion for football. The successful first day sets a positive precedent for the remainder of the two-day football event.
This initiative not only provides a platform for young footballers to showcase their skills but also strengthens community ties and promotes a healthy, active lifestyle among the youth of Corfu. The presence of PAE Panathinaikos officials further motivates aspiring athletes and demonstrates the club’s dedication to nurturing future talent.
The event is expected to continue its positive impact, fostering a vibrant football culture within the Ionian Islands and encouraging broader participation in sports. Such initiatives are crucial for the development of local sports and for inspiring the next generation of athletes.
Source: https://www.startmediacorfu.gr/me-epitychia-oloklirothike-i-proti-mera-tis-drasis-mpala-stin-plateia-apo-tin-scholi-tou-pao-kerkyras-parousia-akadimion-tou-nisiou-ypo-to-vlemma-ton-anthropon-tis-prasinis-pae/
