F.C. Copenhagen host kids from Denmark's Heart Association

F.C. Copenhagen played host to children from the Heart Association over the weekend, with 52 kids and their families enjoying activities around Parken Stadium.

Hjertebold is an event that gives kids suffering from heart conditions and their families an opportunity to enjoy a football school in Denmark's national stadium.

F.C. Copenhagen and the Heart Association (Hjerteforeningen) run the annual event alongside DGI Football and Copenhagen's central hospital (Rigshospitalet). Comwell Copenhagen Portside sponsor the event and accommodate kids and their families.

The football activities took place again this year at Boldklubben Viktoria's field in Fælledparken - right across from F.C. Copenhagen's home stadium, Parken.

The purpose of the annual football school is to give children with congenital or early acquired heart disease the opportunity to experience the joy of physical activity and community on their own terms.

The weekend offered football training, friendships and unforgettable experiences. The children visited Parken, got a tour of the stadium and played a 'Champions League' tournament on the grass of the national arena.

There was also the opportunity to greet FCK Men and FCK Women first-team players Sara Rasmussen, Julie Børkop, Emma Brandt, Frederikke Benfeldt and Oliver Højer.

In the evening, the kids watched an international football match on the big screen and were taught some celebrations - led by former Royal Ballet dancer Magnus Christoffersen.

Anne Kaltoft, CEO of the Danish Heart Association, said of the event: "With Hjertebold, we want to show that physical activity is not only about performance, but about being involved, feeling the body and experiencing joy and community. When we see how much it means to the children with heart disease and their families, it is all worth the effort."

Behind the initiative for Hjertebold is former elite player Sara Juhl, who herself was born with a heart defect, as one of her heart valves is bipartite instead of tripartite. She is currently a club developer at F.C. Copenhagen and has been at the forefront of the soccer school from the beginning.

FCK director Jacob Lauesen is pleased with the club's role in the project.

"Football has a very special ability to bring people together, and you can clearly feel that during Hjertebold," he said. "We are proud to be able to help create a framework where the children feel seen, heard and included - on and off the field."

DGI Football has been involved since the beginning, and national chairman Lars Møller says that the purpose is entirely in line with DGI's core values.

"When we give children a good experience with exercise early in life, we plant a seed that can grow into a lifelong relationship with sports and club life," Lars said. "Hjertebold is a fantastic example of how sport can be inclusive and provide lasting memories."

As mentioned, Boldklubben Viktoria also made their pitch available this year, and the club's chairman Claus Holbeck shares the joy of this initiative.

"It is a pleasure to be able to support Hjertebold," Claus said. "We see it as important to open our pitches and community to children who may not always have easy access to sports opportunities. We hope that the weekend has given them the courage to do more."

About the football school 'Hjertebold'
The football school is arranged by Hjerteforeningen (the Heart Association), F.C. Copenhagen, DGI Football and Rigshospitalet and took place at Boldklubben Viktoria in Fælledparken and with a stay at Comwell Copenhagen Portside.

A total of 52 children with heart disease participated, and they were accompanied by one or both parents/carers. The football school was organised and run by a volunteer coaching team led by Sara Juhl.