José Juan Almeida, whose football career began in his childhood at Artesano, has shared his perspective on the current state of football in the Canary Islands. Almeida, who now manages Unión Puerto de Fuerteventura in the Preferente league, criticizes the loss of street football and the difficulty for local young talents to establish themselves in teams, including UD Las Palmas.
The coach recalls his upbringing, where the street was the primary playground and training was based on values and effort, even with limited resources. "We used to light our locker room with candles," Almeida remembers, emphasizing the importance of the Artesano youth academy for Canary Islands football and how sportsmanship was instilled. "Training and playing was our life," he states.
Almeida observes with concern how street play has disappeared, with children playing in isolation by age groups in academies that prioritize fees over comprehensive development. "Children are not here to play, they are just here to be here," he laments, contrasting it with his own experience where talent and passion were enough to forge a path without needing to pay.
Regarding UD Las Palmas, the coach expresses his desire to see the team in the First Division but acknowledges the difficulty and the habit of being in the Second Division. "Something is wrong with the youth system at UD and, in general, with Canary Islands football," he declares. He notes that in the past, Canary Islands teams had more local players and competed better, something no longer seen in regional football, despite exceptions like Viera or Pedri.
For Almeida, the solution lies in "believing in the kids, giving them opportunities, daring" and having "qualified people who identify with the youth system" within the clubs. He criticizes the absence of figures like Pacuco Rosales from UD's structure, whom he considers an authority on the matter. "Sometimes we don't value what we have here and look elsewhere unnecessarily," he concludes.
Despite not reaching professional categories as a coach, Almeida is satisfied with his career, based on his adherence to principles and the happiness of having been "where they wanted me to be," without actively seeking higher-profile opportunities.
