A clinic dedicated to empowering people with disabilities through beach soccer, made possible by the collaboration between UEFA Grassroots, the Real Federación Andaluza de Fútbol, and Real Federación Española de Fútbol.
On October 13th, Cádiz, Spain, served as a vibrant backdrop for a remarkable inclusion clinic held during the European Qualifier, dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities from the region. This impactful event was supported by the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) and the Sport for One Humanity initiative, emphasizing the importance of creating a welcoming space where sports and inclusion coexist harmoniously. The day was filled with playful activities, learning opportunities, and the potential for long-lasting memories that participants will cherish.
The clinic brought together a diverse group of coaches from various national teams, demonstrating a unified commitment to making beach soccer more accessible to the local community. Notable attendees included coaches from Belarus, Denmark, and Belgium, alongside João Saraiva, also known as “Madjer,” the esteemed technical leader of the Portuguese team. Their participation reflects a collective dedication to fostering inclusivity within the sport.
The event was further honored by the presence of key local figures, including Carlos Lucero, the Councilor for Sports of the Cadiz City Council; Tania Barcelona, Delegate of Tourism, Culture, and Sports for the Andalusian government of Cadiz; and Pedro Curtido, President Delegate of the Real Federación Andaluza de Fútbol. Their involvement underscores the significant community support for initiatives aimed at inclusivity and accessibility in sports.
The participants were players from the inclusive league of Cadiz, with the clubs of Cadiz FC and Villa de Rota, they were the heart of the clinic, offered an engaging opportunity to experience the joy of beach soccer firsthand. Through skill-building exercises, games, and supportive coaching, these young athletes embraced core values such as cooperation, respect, and equality. The clinic served as a powerful reminder that sports can transcend barriers, foster social change, and inspire personal growth.
By promoting such initiatives, the Beach Soccer Foundation reaffirms its unwavering commitment to inclusion and accessibility in sports. Events like this not only cultivate hope and empowerment in the lives of people with disabilities but also have the potential to influence broader societal attitudes towards inclusion. By breaking down barriers and providing equal opportunities, we can encourage a culture where everyone, regardless of their abilities, can engage in the joy of sports.
As participants left the clinic, they carried with them not just new skills, but also a sense of belonging and the belief that they, too, can experience the joy of sports. The legacy of this event will resonate long after the clinic concludes, serving as a beacon of hope and a catalyst for ongoing change in the realm of inclusive sports. Through continued efforts like these, we can create a more equitable and compassionate world where sports unite us all.
We want to thank the Real Federación Andaluza de Fútbol, the Real Federación Española de Fútbol and UEFA Grassroots for collaborating with us to make this clinic possible.