A leader that all children look up to
His aura is captivating, his speech full of empathy, the example of a leader for every child who aim to succeed in doing what they love. Andre Vieirinha, together with the PAOK team manager Christos Karipidis, visited the PAOK Academy House and talked to the young players who live there. In a family atmosphere, consultative, and to a large extent, also in a festive atmosphere, the youngsters were treated to some inspiring words and stories.
The young players residing at PAOK’s Academy House attended a workshop adapted to the House’s conditions on the topic of leadership in sports.
The purpose was none other than to strengthen the team climate (team building) through the cooperation that the youngsters were invited to develop through the workshop.
In the living room of the building’s 7th floor, the 45 young players who live there, the manager of the facility Dora Karaolani, the director of the PAOK Academy Vangelis Pourliotopoulos, and the psychologist of the Academy Irini Rera welcomed Andre Vieirinha and the team manager Christos Karipidis.
They talked to the youngsters about what life is like away from their families, about the demands of the championship, the characteristics that one must possess to lead, even about the importance of being on the bench, and supporting the whole, and to be ready at all times to contribute when called upon.
The discussion naturally also concerned the difficulties, the «bad days» that players have, injuries and how to manage them, stress and how they combat it. Willing to talk about everything, about his personal experiences, the battles he fought, and obviously also for the Portuguese national team, Andre took on the role of «teacher» and «leader», giving, without a trace of exaggeration, great joy to the young players who are the future of PAOK. With the increased empathy that distinguishes him, he did not hesitate to emphasize that «I am always here». «For whatever you need!» Indeed, the role of an iconic leader can only be just that.
