Every year, 3,500 children growing up in Romania’s child protection system turn 18. Coming of age means, for them, the moment when they must leave the placement centres or foster families where they grew up. These children, now young teenagers, are most often left alone, face to face with life on their own.

Without emotional, educational or financial support, the transition to adult life is a difficult one. Their dreams can be silenced in the face of countless dangers and challenges: human trafficking, drug use and trafficking, the risk of ending up on the street for lack of shelter and a steady income, discrimination and marginalisation by society.

It is as if they were placed on a tennis court, without ever having trained, without proper equipment or moral support. And yet they must face matches against well-prepared, well-equipped opponents who know the rules and have a coach to guide them. The chances of winning such a game are, sadly, minimal.

Only 1 in 40 young people who leave the protection system find legal employment. Romania thus ranks at the top of the European Union when it comes to victims of human trafficking.

Your participation in the „Tenis pentru Fapte Bune" tournament can change this reality. Every ball put into play, every point won, every moment of joy on the court turns into real opportunities for a better future for young people at risk in Romania.

Our mission is to give young people leaving the placement system the tools and preparation they need to face the challenges of the transition to adult life.

The funds raised go to The Social Incubator Association, which for nearly a decade has been helping these young people continue their studies, integrate into society and enter the labour market.

Let us score new points together in the story of change and build a better future for young people facing situations of risk.