08/07/2026
Three years ago, in July 2023, he buried his grandad in Finland 🖤🇫🇮, said goodbye to his ⚽ football teams, school friends 🇬🇧🇫🇮, neighbours and relatives in the UK 🇬🇧, and transferred with us from the UK to Naples, Italy 🇮🇹 - all in just two weeks.
All he wanted to do was play ⚽ football.
It wasn't offered by the British community, and American soccer wasn't for us. So, although we knew 0 Italian, we went to the local football trials in September 2023 (Slide 1). We stayed 💚
This resilient boy is my son, Kurt, who is celebrating his 10th birthday today. I am so proud of him 💙 Happy birthday Kurt 🎉🥳
3 years later, after serious football in Naples (five training sessions a week + matches), he is fluent in Italian 🇮🇹💪🏻. He has found teammates, friends, confidence and a second home.
Now another adventure awaits.
He is "excited 😊, sad 😢 and boooo 😵💫" about his next transfer back to the UK 🇬🇧 this August.
After three unforgettable years in Naples, he leaves with a 3rd language, lifelong friends, and memories that will stay with him forever. ❤️🏆⚽
Happy birthday my resilient boy! We so proud of you! 😘 Tantissimi auguri Kurt 10 anni è grazie mille tutti amici ⚽