This Friday (17), another day of selection took place in the partnership signed by Clube de Regatas do Flamengo with the Pacification Police Units (UPPs) and the State Secretariat of Sports, Leisure and Youth. Twenty-nine young people aged 12 to 14 participated in the selection process.

The evaluation consisted of a practice match between the tryout participants and the Mais Querido U-14 team. The evaluation criteria ranged from field positioning to communication with teammates. Three players were approved for the next stage of the tryout: midfielder Igor Silva, 14, from the Manguinhos community; attacking midfielder Lucas Lemos, 12, from Vila Kennedy; and left midfielder Leonardo da Silva, also 12, from Vidigal.

Colonel Silva, coordinator of the UPP, spoke about how rewarding it is to participate in this project. "It's a dream come true for the boys who have this opportunity to live within a major club. These boys are trained by police officers who conduct prevention and community engagement practices. It's already a success, and we want to continue. Even if some of these boys don't make it to a professional club, the fact that they're integrated into sports will be a victory. Through the UPPs, we're able to be present within the communities, encouraging daily training and removing them from the negative environment of the locality, fostering citizenship," he said.

Ciro Delgado, State Undersecretary of Sports, Recreation, and Youth, also commented on the opportunities provided to these young people through the partnership. "It's a unique opportunity. These children are getting a great opportunity by being in serious selection processes like this. We seek quality and opportunity, and we found that here," he added.

Carlos Noval, director of the Flamengo youth academy, emphasized the importance of this moment for the club. "It's very gratifying to have these players here. With this partnership, we have access to players we don't see playing in their communities. Here they have the opportunity to join Flamengo's youth academy," he stated.

The project will continue. New classes, including those from other age groups, will be created to provide opportunities for other children to join Mais Querido's youth teams.