The Freidorf district came alive yesterday for the “All for Matthew” youth tournament. 24 teams from six clubs from the Timisoara area played on the “Auto” field for one goal – to help Matei Hromei, a little boy who cannot enjoy a normal childhood.

Politehnica, CFR Timișoara, FC Auto, Timstar, Alb Viola and Viitorul Arad joined forces for a noble goal. The youngsters competed in the U7, U8, U9 and U10 categories, demonstrating even without a report card the power of football to attract and do good. The matches were refereed by important officials provided by the AJF Timis Referees Committee, headed by former FIFA badge, Mr Nicolae Grigorescu. And the event enjoyed the support of many sports people and not only. Alin Ignea, Dan Păltinișanu jr., as well as representatives of the local authorities, the deputy mayor of Timișoara – Cosmin Tabără, and the mayor of Peciu Nou – Gabriel Drăgan, contributed to the achievement of the goal.

Most importantly, important sums were donated so that Matei (6 years old), born prematurely with a rare condition called Lysencephaly, can continue his expensive treatment sessions. A total of 19,188 RON was raised (of which 4,200 lei by bank transfer).

Mihai Hromei, Matei’s father, was extremely impressed by the day’s proceedings on Sunday 7 November:

“The football world was with me, be it referees, players, friends, parents. I am aware that there are many requests for help. Alin Ignea has been close to the family since what happened and beyond. The pleasant surprise was Mr Grigorescu, he was at the Champions League and now he’s back in the grass at Auto… Sebastian Novovic from Druckeria was great, Mr Miatov, Alin Ionescu and all the others I thank very much. Thanks to Politehnica and the participating clubs. This well done will return and I am sure they will be successful. If it wasn’t for the football world beside me I wouldn’t have had any hopes for anything! … I didn’t sleep from excitement, I couldn’t believe what happened, to see, for Matei, 250 children on the pitch, parents, a touch of fair play, including people I haven’t seen for 20 years. This football, sport in general, brings people together so much, I can’t even describe it! I can’t find the words to describe what I experienced yesterday… The amount raised covers our therapies for a good period of time. The kids did shifts to put the money in, it was amazing. It’s an important support, otherwise we’d be slammed. Now I don’t worry anymore because I have so many people by my side…”

“I also want to participate in the following actions. Whether I’m refereeing, donating, carrying the station or making tea for the kids… Let them call me, because just like they helped me I want to help. I understand that they want to make this kind of action a tradition. And the money that is collected should go to help those in need“, said Mișu Hromei. A former player for Unirea Sânnicolau Mare and Vulturii Lugoj, now a coach and teacher of physical education and sport, Mihai Hromei has a touching message for parents, as he as a father cannot enjoy a healthy son: “I would like parents to enjoy what they have and to understand their children and forgive them for the stupid things they do and enjoy their antics, because they are children“.

Matei is continuing treatment locally in Timisoara, but he still needs specialist help and his next trip out of town will probably be in February to the Recovery Centre set up by Mihai Neșu in Oradea.

For donations:

Beneficiary: Mihaita Hromei

IBAN: RO71INGB0000999903860233

Bank: ING

Contact: 0767 578 386 or monicahluscu@yahoo.com