Parallel lives in the classroom and on the soccer field

María and Javier Celaya Nieva from Pamplona are twins, and not only are they studying the same Degree in Early ChildhoodEducation at the University of Navarra, but they are also both studying the accredited specialization in Attention to Diversity. This is what has led them both to collaborate with the Soccer School "Yo Juego en Osasuna", where they coach two teams of Functional Diversity (FD): Javier's, composed of 14 kids under 20 years old; and Maria's, composed of people between 20 and 40 years old.

Maria and Javier studied at Teresianas high school in Pamplona, and Javier has always played soccer, both in the high school school team, as well as in Lezkairu and Asdefor. They are both big fans of this sport, and since they were little they have been going to see Osasuna matches at the Sadar. For this reason, coaching a team at Fundación Osasuna "was a dream" for them, confesses María. Likewise, collaborating with these trainings will financial aid them to fill in knowledge of the Degree in Early Childhood Education (with accredited specialization in Attention to Diversity), putting in internship strategies to make teaching truly inclusive and accessible to all.

The twins come to Tajonar once a week. "The session starts with the players 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 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, his main mission statement is to ensure that the kids enjoy themselves. "To see how they have fun, laugh and enjoy soccer during the average hour and a average of training is priceless," says his brother Javier. "The affection they show is incomparable: every time I arrive, they greet me with hugs, and that shows how much they enjoy it," he adds.

They both remember their first day with a lot of excitement and some nerves. "It was an incredible day, full of excitement and learning," he says. Javier, who also highlights how easily and quickly he was able to adapt to the kids and the training dynamics. "From the first moment they showed an exceptional attitude and great respect, which made the experience even more rewarding," he recalls. 

Recognize and address the specific needs of each person.

As María and Javier explain, takingthe accredited specialization in Attention to Diversity allows them to recognize and address the specific needs of these teams at Fundación Osasuna. "We have acquired tools to design adapted interventions and create a safe and motivating environment, favoring both learning and the positive experience of each participant," says María. The experience, she says, is helping her to be more empathetic, "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 children should be treated differently, when in fact 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.