Romania - The Art of Noticing

'That's a long way to go for two days.' 

A common phrase I've heard the past couple of weeks, both before and since returning from Romania. A long way perhaps to visit the only other nation dipping their toes in youth leadership. A long way to view the world through a different lens and take stock of the Romanian Football Federation taking the first steps of their learning journey. 

The gulf in culture and society may be at large, but the distance between one human to another is incredibly slim if we take the opportunity to simply connect. 

After a phone call with the Romanian Football Federation a few weeks ago, the opportunity to meet first hand seemed appropriate, especially to be a part of their Youth Council - second edition. A 4 day programme for young people who had applied to be a part of the Youth Council, delivered through a partnering foundation was our scene at the National Football Centre in Buftea - just outside the Romanian capital of Bucharest. 4 days of learning around coming together as a team, managing challenges, developing and implementing strategic planning. This resulting in the group developing their own ideas for youth led projects to develop football within their respective communities. 

At first glance, and from a limited amount of knowledge of the history of Romania and their culture, it would be easy to question why we were there. The differences as already noted are quite sizeable. But at times I believe it is differences which bring us together, not despite them, but because of them. 

I arrived part way through the week and part way through the night. Unsure as to what reception I would receive, another nosy neighbour, an outsider perhaps? Those thoughts certainly quashed immediately on arrival. Greeted with warming smiles and handshakes which continued through the following morning and breakfast. 

The natural desire to connect has never been so visible to me than throughout my time in Romania. Our common purpose or cause, to use football as a tool, was our only connector but with it came so much more. We travelled to learn around how the Federation were implementing youth leadership, what that looked like in action. How the country are trying to build their own bridges whilst building ours on an international stage with the help of UEFA. 

Thinking bigger picture, we could be on the verge of something really game changing. 

Thinking smaller stage, I don't think I've felt so tremendously engaged person to person for a long time. With those from the Federation, our German friends from the partnering foundation and those members of the youth council. A genuine want to share thoughts and listen. The simplicity of connection. We have so much technology which is removing the opportunity to feel, to understand, to discuss, to think. By disconnecting from the virtual world and being present, I heard so much more. 

The stories of individuals. The desires and deepest passions. The opportunity to integrate with others like me, to learn and grow with them. To find meaning. To remember why we do what we do. 

Time will tell if these actions create the fruits hoped for. Throughout the time I was there, the question 'what's your why?' Or 'what's your cause?' Came up again and again. A question I don't remember being answered in the broader sense of why the Federation want to involve young people. But I got a sense of mutual understanding from all that this is the right thing to be doing. I think direction is needed to ensure there is real meaning and understanding of the cause. I like the thought, 'if you don't know where you're going, how will you know when you get there?' And it doesn't ring any truer than right now. 

In the midst of leading The FA Youth Council, taking our seat on FA Council and managing EVERYTHING which comes with it over the last few months, the few days away provided a welcomed break and opportunity to re-align thoughts. To take stock of progress made, and acknowledge what is yet to come. 

The option to see through different eyes, and look at our work through a differing perspective. 

It is the art of noticing and taking opportunities, to disconnect to be able to connect with oneself and others. I've found great value and pleasure in talking about what brings us alive, how can we work together for the greater good. And the feeling of being a part of something bigger. A feeling of belonging.

I might have been a minute behind most jokes, very poor at speaking Romanian and slow to hear what isn't being said. But I was a part of it all. Not the outsider. Not the nosy neighbour. But a valued cog in the community which we are slowly starting to build. 

The art of noticing isn't the glaringly obvious which goes unseen, but the pauses in between the notes which are there all along which we just don't value their worth. It's leaving space in your cup for the input of others, for being present and coming together with the ambition of succeeding together. 

Multumesc foarte mult Romania.

Thank you very much Romania, for showing me the gaps between the notes.