The National Youth Team Joined Forces with Aurel Vlaicu University of Arad

Before their match against Serbia’s U21 team, the Romanian Under-21 national squad visited the Faculty of Physical Education and Sports within Aurel Vlaicu University of Arad. The visit took place in a relaxed atmosphere filled with smiles and photo opportunities, especially around the Arad-born players Cristian Mihai, Cătălin Vulturar, and Rareș Pop, for whom this stop in Arad was also a reunion with former schoolmates and club colleagues.

The young tricolori toured the kinesiology laboratories, the performance analysis equipment acquired through PNRR-funded projects, as well as the “Mihai Botez” sports hall. They were accompanied by head coach Costin Curelea and members of the technical staff: Marius Niculae, Lucian Sânmărtean, and Răzvan Stanca.

“The visit of the Under-21 national team to Aurel Vlaicu University of Arad once again emphasized the strong connection between athletic and academic performance, confirming UAV’s commitment to supporting young people who wish to combine education with high-level sports. We warmly welcome all who aspire to excellence and assure them of our full support,” stated Prof. Dr. Dana Copolovici, Vice-Rector of UAV, who greeted the players and wished them success in Friday’s match.

“We were delighted to host the Under-21 team before their game against Serbia. We introduced them to our university, our faculties, and the state-of-the-art facilities of the Faculty of Physical Education and Sports. It’s especially rewarding to see Arad-born players in the squad and to note that one of them, Ioan Vermeșan, is already our student, admitted with a full scholarship as a performance athlete. We offer all professional athletes flexible academic opportunities so they can pursue their studies alongside their competitive careers,” said Assoc. Prof. Dr. Viorel Petru Ardelean, Dean of the Faculty.

“It was an interesting experience. I saw many new things at the faculty, especially regarding sports performance analysis. For now, I’m focused on football, but in the future, I might consider enrolling at university—perhaps even here in Arad,” said Cristian Mihai, a midfielder trained at Atletico and UTA, currently playing for Dinamo Bucharest.

The friendly match against Serbia’s U21 national team is scheduled for Friday evening at 7:00 PM, at the “Francisc Neuman” Stadium.