The Real Madrid Foundation inaugurates the XIII Copa Alma with European schools
Eight delegations from seven countries participate in an educational and multicultural experience based on sports and values
The Real Madrid Foundation has inaugurated the thirteenth edition of the Copa Alma at the Ciudad Real Madrid, an event that brings together 80 beneficiaries from eight delegations of the social sports schools in Europe. Teams from Portugal, Italy, Poland, Hungary, Romania, Ukraine (with two delegations from Epicentr for Children), and Spain are participating in this event that once again transforms football into a universal language of coexistence.
The opening ceremony, held on June 26, included a formal welcome from Silvia Montes-Jovellar, Director of Projects at the Real Madrid Foundation, who highlighted the importance of such initiatives in fostering personal and social development through sports. Over four days, the young participants will share sports and educational experiences in a multicultural environment, putting into practice the values that form the cornerstone of the Foundation's methodology.
Educational Innovation
This edition introduces new elements that enhance the educational aspect of the competition. On the sports side, the CAR: Captains and Coaches Assistant Referees strategy is implemented, where participants themselves take on the role of referees during matches. In case of doubt, they can first consult the captains of both teams and, if necessary, their coaches, thereby fostering responsibility, dialogue, and shared decision-making.
Additionally, for the first time, the values awards given to each team will be decided based on cross-evaluations among the educators from the delegations, reinforcing a collective perspective on the behavior and attitude of the participants. As part of the educational activities, a participatory mural has also been introduced, allowing the young participants to reflect on and creatively express the impact of their experience.
Beyond Football
The Copa Alma also offers a comprehensive program of activities that enrich the participants' experience. Highlights include a gamified educational challenge styled as an escape room tour of Madrid, where teams must complete various tasks while discovering some of the city's most iconic landmarks; activities like Got Talent, group dynamics, and the Bernabéu Tour.
An Internationally Supported Project
The participating social sports schools are backed by organizations committed to education and inclusion. Notable supporters include UPS, which funds projects in Portugal, Romania, Poland, and Ukraine, and Endesa, which collaborates with the school in Guimarães (Portugal). Their support enables the beneficiaries to travel and participate in this unique experience.
Disclaimer: Translation generated by artificial intelligence. It may contain inaccuracies.