Several weeks ago, we published information about the revival in Bolesławiec of the iconic Kwiatoliga Wild Teams Tournament. On August 1, the tournament participants—children from, among others, the BKS Bolesławiec Academy and other teams from the city and Bolesławiec County—travelled with their guardians to Wrocław for Śląsk Wrocław’s qualifying match against Ryga FC. Śląsk is aspiring to compete in European cup competitions. After the trip, a report and photos from the event appeared on BKS’s Facebook profile.

A trip by young football players to a match in Wrocław

The trip to the Śląsk match was criticised by Bolesławiec’s supporters’ community, which has been associated for many years with Śląsk’s league rival, Zagłębie Lubin. It is no secret that, to put it mildly, Zagłębie and Śląsk fans do not like each other.

Zagłębie fans from Bolesławiec and the surrounding area are disappointed that the decision was made to travel to a match specifically in Wrocław. In comments on the BKS Bolesławiec profile, they criticised the decision. There is also resentment toward the management because there is no dialogue or mutual exchange of information.

In response, BKS published a statement:

Statement of the Bolesławiec Sports Club

Dear Parents, Fans and Supporters of the Bolesławiec Sports Club,

We would like to sincerely thank everyone who supported the trip of the children taking part in the Kwiatoliga tournament to the European cup match between Śląsk Wrocław and Ryga FC. We are convinced that it was an unforgettable experience that enriched our young athletes with valuable experiences and inspiration.

We are aware of the critical comments that appeared in connection with the choice of the Śląsk Wrocław match, given the local supporters’ sympathies for Zagłębie Lubin. We would like to make it clear that our decision was motivated above all by the desire to enable the children to attend a top-level sporting event—a European cup match.

As the Bolesławiec Sports Club, we place great emphasis on values such as fair play, respect for every team and building positive relationships in the world of sport. We believe that young athletes should learn to appreciate diversity and sporting culture regardless of local club rivalries.

We emphasise that our priority is developing a passion for sport, supporting integration and shaping attitudes based on mutual respect. We believe that taking part in such sporting events contributes to the comprehensive development of our young charges and enables them to understand how important the principles of fair play are in every situation, both on and off the pitch.

We categorically distance ourselves from any escalation of the wave of hatred toward the team from Wrocław that took part in the European cup competitions. As a club, we do not accept and will not tolerate any manifestations of hatred.

Once again, we thank you for your support and understanding. We are convinced that together we are building a future for sport filled with mutual respect and positive emotions.

Yours sincerely,
The Management Board of the Bolesławiec Sports Club