Through the 14th and the 16th of February, El Salvador hosted a memorable event: the El Salvador Beach Soccer Cup. During this event, a clinic was held on the 15th in collaboration with Beach Soccer Worldwide, INDES and the Escuela Especial de San Jacinto, which stood out for its focus on inclusion and respect following the One Humanity campaign of the UNAOC (United Nations Alliance of Civilizations).
We had the honor of welcoming the women’s team from Costa Rica, along with their coaching staff, as well as two female players (Cindy Acevedo and Katherine Segovia) and two masculine players (Jose Agustin Ruiz and Andersson Castro) from the El Salvador national team. Additionally, two talented players from the United States (Braeden Small and Vanessa Amaral) were present, along with the head coach (Michael Woodtli) and assistant coach (Michael Schellenberg) of the Swiss national team. These teams not only participated in the competition but also contributed to an enriching exchange of experiences and knowledge in the world of beach soccer.
The clinic was particularly noteworthy for its inclusive approach, focusing on engaging children with disabilities. This initiative, aimed to provide a supportive and empowering environment for young athletes, demonstrating that sports can be a unifying force for all individuals, regardless of their abilities.
During the clinic, coaches and athletes worked closely with the children, introducing them to the fundamentals of beach soccer in a fun and adaptive manner. Activities were designed to cater to various skill levels, ensuring that every participant could engage meaningfully and enjoy the experience. The focus was not just on skill development, but also on fostering confidence, teamwork, and social interaction among the participants.
By integrating children with disabilities into the fabric of competitive sports, the El Salvador Beach Soccer Cup not only celebrated athleticism but also championed a message of equality and respect, leaving a lasting impact on all participants and the broader community by bringing together different cultures, experiences and different backgrounds, the event reaffirmed the transformative role of sports as a tool for cooperation and social development, inspiring future generations to engage in beach soccer.