Football for Inclusion: Migrant Youths Join Clubs in Gran Canaria

The #Convida project by the UD Las Palmas Foundation uses the beautiful game to promote social integration for unaccompanied minor migrants.

Image of young people playing football in Gran Canaria as part of a social inclusion project.
IA

Image of young people playing football in Gran Canaria as part of a social inclusion project.

Unaccompanied migrant youths have found a new home on the football pitches of Arucas CF, UD Villa de Santa Brígida, and CD Firgas thanks to the #Convida project.

Through the #Convida initiative, driven by the Canarian UD Las Palmas Foundation and funded by the Government of the Canary Islands, a group of young people under the care of the unaccompanied minor migrant network are experiencing greater social integration through football. The project aims to use sport as a motivational and educational tool.
Football professionals and representatives from UD Las Palmas recently visited local clubs near the youths' reception centers. During these visits, they were not only provided with sports equipment but also discovered that some of the young participants possess notable footballing talent. The initiative has been warmly welcomed by the technical and social managers of the clubs.
The #Convida project distinguishes itself by focusing on football as a common language capable of overcoming cultural, social, and emotional barriers. Through teamwork, discipline, and coexistence, the aim is for the youths to develop essential skills for their integration into society. Additionally, activities will be organized to raise awareness about the importance of including migrant minors and to eradicate prejudices.