The Barça Foundation’s Diversity Programme Re-Imagines Sport for Development

December 11, 2020  

Founded 25 years ago, he Barça Foundation supports vulnerable children and youth through sports and education towards a more egalitarian and inclusive society. Operating in more than 50 countries, it is helping 1.5 million children and youth worldwide across three pillars: violence prevention, promoting social inclusion and reinforcing education.

Since 2015, its Diversity Programme is introducing sport to children and youth with disabilities as a tool to improve and develop their skills. “In 2015, the Diversity Program was created with the aim to rise confidence and self-esteem in children with disabilities to leverage their access and participation in local sport programmes within their communities,” said Sport for Development Coordinator, Blanca de la Quintana.

Aligned with the values of FC Barcelona - effort, respect, teamwork, humility and ambition - the Foundation facilitates safe spaces where everyone is recognised and appreciated, no matter their ability. To guarantee this, every session follows three basic rules:  

• There is no referee, which encourages children and young people to resolve disputes themselves 
• Teams must be mixed in terms of gender, disability, sporting ability and origin, among other things 
• Everyone must be encouraged to participate 

The programme also promotes social inclusion by creating recreational spaces based on play, regular adapted activities and stigma-free gatherings of able-bodied and disabled people and their families. Over the years, the Barça Foundation has incorporated three key elements to ensure a welcoming atmosphere for people of differing capacities: being present in sharing all spaces and experiences, participating in all activities and learning and progressing throughout the process. 

8-year-old Xavi is participant in the Diversity Programme and attends an inclusive school. Due to his illness, his body is a little swollen, his muscle tone rigid and he is more easily fatigued by physical activities. However, this all falls to the wayside when he is on the pitch. He spends the week eagerly waiting the day where he gets to play with his friends and is a favorite of his teammates. His doctor informed the family that practicing sports has led to a marked improvement of his motor skills land has given him new reasons to laugh and to feel loved.

Further information about Barça Foundation’s Diversity Programme can be found in its report Sport as a tool of inclusion for children and youth with disabilities.

The Barça Foundation is a member of the Stay in the Game Network which leverages sport to promote mental wellness. Find out more here.