In a particularly difficult time, the Portuguese Player´s Union (SJPF), the Government, the Portuguese Football Association (FPF) and the Union of Portuguese Mercies (national solidarity institution), under the program "Impulso Jovem", signed today a protocol to create 100 jobs for young and former players.

The integration on the work market will be made by solidarity institutions linked to the mercies that benefit at no cost, the work done by the players.

"The Union is aware of the difficulties of the sport, football in particular and its players go through and, as such, we want to have an active role in seeking solutions to minimize their problems. We are setting an example to the country, only through a pro active attitude can solve the problems. In this way we help to fight unemployment and assume an active responsibility, "said Joaquim Evangelista, president of SJPF.

For Fernando Gomes, president of FPF, "through this program, we will allow for a number of players exercising an activity, finding jobs on the market work for these young unemployed."

Manuel Lemos, president of the Union of Mercies, praised the initiative of SJPF and FPF and strengthened that his institution "could not be indifferent to young people who are experiencing difficulties."

Finally, Miguel Relvas, minister responsable of Sports, said it was essential to "fight the greatest scourge in Europe and Portugal that is the unemployment" and appreciated the importance of the protocol signed. "This is the proof that we can find solutions to our problems if we are able to generate understandings and follow a common strategy. In the first phase will cover 100 young people, but we want to expand this number", he said adding that "we are giving a good example to Portugal. Sport is often unfairly criticized, but the truth is if there is an activity that has been most distinguished and contributed to our competitiveness, this is the sport."