From the classroom to the soccer field

"We hold training sessions once a week with the goal of improving their soccer skills," Javier explains. "The training starts with the kids helping us carry the material to the field. Once there, we stand in a circle and appoint a captain who will help us with the materials throughout the training. Depending on the day, we do different exercises focused on the development of technical skills, work , physical endurance or game strategy, always adapting the session to the needs and objectives set," explains María. "But, without a doubt, our main mission statement is to ensure that the kids enjoy themselves and have fun," she adds. "Seeing how they have fun, laugh and enjoy soccer during the hour and average of training is priceless," says her brother. "Also, the affection they show is unmatched: every time I arrive, they greet me with hugs, and that shows how much they enjoy it." 

Both remember their first day with great enthusiasm and some nerves. "Being able to work at Fundación Osasuna and coach a team was a dream for me," confesses María. "But at the same time, I didn't know how I was going to be received, how training would go, or if it would be difficult for me to adapt. However, as soon as I arrived, all those nerves disappeared. It was an incredible day, full of excitement and learning, which I will always remember fondly," he says. Javier also highlights how easily and quickly he was able to adapt to the boys and the dynamics of the training sessions. "The welcome they gave me was incredible and, in a very short time, I already felt part of the group. From the very first moment they showed an exceptional attitude and great respect, which made the experience even more gratifying," he recalls. 

"Every training session has unique moments, but there is one in particular that always makes me smile. On one occasion, we were finishing the session with a mini-match and I decided to jump in and play. In the last few minutes, I wanted to try a little prank and jumped into the area to see if I could get a penalty. The reaction of the kids was instantaneous: they all came to protest, calling me a 'piscinero'," Javier says with a smile. His sister also fondly recalls another funny moment they shared in one of the training sessions: "We were in a circle warming up when, suddenly, one of the boys shouted out that it was our birthday. In a matter of seconds, everyone stopped what they were doing and started singing 'Happy Birthday' to us while we tried to continue with the exercises."

Recognize and address the specific needs of each person.

As Maria and Javier explain, taking the accredited specialization in Attention to Diversity financial aid them fill in knowledge they acquire in the Degree, as it allows them to connect the general theory of Early Childhood Education with more specific strategies to make teaching truly inclusive and accessible to all children. "In the accredited specialization we have learned to recognize and address specific needs. In addition, we have acquired tools to design adapted interventions and create a safe and motivating environment, favoring both the learning and the positive experience of each participant," says Maria. The internship they are being able to develop with their partnership at the Osasuna Foundation is the perfect complement to what they have studied in class. "This experience is helping me to develop greater empathy, to be more patient and to find creative ways to keep everyone motivated, without losing sight of how important their well-being is," she continues. "Sometimes people tend to think that, because they have a disability, these kids should be treated differently, when in reality the important thing is to understand their needs without underestimating them," says Javier. And even at the risk of falling into a cliché, he concludes: "Working with them is an enriching experience in every way, since, in addition to teaching them, you learn a lot from them.