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Snapshots are on the ground reports from our editorial department, field notes offering context, perspective, and a sharp lens on the cultures shaping the game.
Editorials
Members
Commissions
Think Tank
Image Licensing
About
Snapshots are on the ground reports from our editorial department, field notes offering context, perspective, and a sharp lens on the cultures shaping the game.
On July 2, the 2025 Women’s Euro will kick off in Switzerland, Iceland and Finland — but the opening ceremony has already taken place: not in Switzerland or the Nordic countries, but in Greece at the Mini Euros.
A football tournament that took place in Athens over the weekend of June 7–8, 2025, the Mini Euros features teams from all across Europe, including France, England, Portugal and Greece.
This year’s tournament winner, FC Abalos from Greece, kept the trophy at home after defeating the French side Medusa FC in the grand final. The atmosphere throughout the tournament, especially during the final, was electric. Hundreds of football fans came to these small pitches to watch the teams, eat lamb pies, dance at Saturday’s party and play football themselves — a true football celebration.
Mina Kalogera experienced the Mini Euros intensely— not only did she play on the field for her team FC Abalos, but she was also heavily involved in the organizational side of the event. “It was one of the most intense experiences for me and for the team,” she said.
“Right now we’re all sitting around looking at photos and videos that friends are sending us, zooming in on our sunburned faces, red from both the sun and the adrenaline of the games. We’re still trying to process what just happened. The tournament ran so smoothly, both in terms of organization and on the pitch. I don’t think we’ve ever played that much football in two days, and at such a high level,” she explains.
What thrilled her most was playing with footballers of all levels and skills despite not being able to communicate in the same language at all times. “It was a two-day football party with the game, food, music, good vibes, and people who all love the same thing. We shared a common language. When we play, we communicate in our own way.” Mina explained. “The goal wasn’t to win— it was for everyone to have fun. Just imagine, most players are now using the Mini Euros as the kickoff for their summer holidays in Greece. All the teams are now on an island having the best time.”
Mina, who only discovered football three years ago through FC Abalos, is already counting down to the next training session— and the next Mini Euros. “I’ve changed completely since joining this team,” she said, “I’ve grown. I carry more joy inside me. Incredible support from my teammates. I now understand what it means to belong to a sisterhood, what it means to truly have fun— pure joy. At the end of the day, we all play together. There’s no toxic competitiveness. When we step on the pitch, we give everything. Each one of us, for the shirt we wear.”