Fútbol X Mi País (FxP) is a free after-school programme that offers children a safe space to learn, socialise and exercise. We use an approach developed by Fútbol con Corazón Colombia that combines football with learning and skills development to achieve our goals. The programme is centred around four fundamental values: honesty, tolerance, respect and solidarity. FxP also encourages participants to be environmentally conscious and take care of community assets. 

Our coaches work with teachers to ensure that programme participants are enrolled in school and we encourage parents and local businesses to get involved.  

• Learning through football 

Certified coaches run eight to ten monthly sessions that promote personal development and life skills training through football. After each 90-minute session, participants discuss and reflect on what they have learnt to deepen their understanding of the topic. Local businesses, parents and volunteers prepare snacks, fostering a sense of community. 

At the end of the year, participants take part in a life project that encourages them to imagine and build a better future for themselves and their communities. 

Each year we focus on the programme’s fundamental values of honesty, tolerance, respect and solidarity, while also teaching teamwork, non-violence and gender equality, healthy and responsible sexual relationships and drug and alcohol awareness.  

• Inclusive football matches  

We organise two inclusive, non-traditional football matches a month. Participants decide on the match rules and then play in mixed teams without a referee. They are responsible for following and enforcing these rules to ensure a fair and respectful game. After the match, they evaluate and assess their behaviour, which helps them to embody these values and learn from the experience. 

• Family workshops 

Once a month, our coaches meet with the participants’ families to discuss and review the work being done on the field and to help families gain a deeper understanding of the methodology behind our programme.  

During the sessions we address any concerns about the participants’ education and give the families tasks to complete at home, creating meaningful opportunities to apply and reinforce what the children have learned in their daily lives. We also use these sessions to encourage parents to volunteer and support our coaches. 

• Environmental education sessions and sustainability activities  

We organise public clean-ups of football fields, parks, streets and beaches alongside football practice to benefit our community. We also run educational workshops on the importance of recycling and reducing our environmental impact. These activities encourage environmental awareness, empower participants and help to maintain the beauty of our public spaces. Some of the beaches we have cleaned have been awarded the prestigious Blue Flag status. This recognition strengthens community pride and fosters a sense of shared responsibility for the environment. 

• Regional tournament   

We will organise a monthly regional tournament to engage new communities and football academies. This initiative will enable us to reach an additional 100+ children, fostering collaboration and participation among diverse groups, raising awareness of the benefits of our approach and ultimately contributing to children’s development in these communities.