Sociedad Deportiva Huesca will become the home for a group of four Japanese boys, who are eager to know the youth club’s methodology and the culture of Spain and Huesca. The club, together with Wakatake Group, have implemented a new edition of the international sports programme that brings Japanese boys to Huesca to integrate them into the football structure of the Alcoraz Foundation (Fundación Alcoraz). On this occasion, four young Japanese children born between 2008 and 2011 are going to live this unique experience. Their three-month stay in Huesca began on 13th February, and it will be followed and supervised by different coaches who take part of the SD Huesca academy. The news this time is that the four kids’ host families will be those of SD Huesca youth team’s players, making the adventure even more immersive, so that these children will never forget about it not only because of their athletic development but also due to their personal growth.
“We are honoured to repeat this initiative by the Alcoraz Foundation together with Wakatake Group, a programme that evolves each edition, and which is even more special this time, as our youth team’s players’ families are hosting the kids in their own houses. This fact contributes to their comprehensive growth at an age where any knowledge will make an impact for the rest of their lives,” highlights Juanjo Camacho, responsible for Strategic Project Management at the Alcoraz Foundation.
During the next three months, the four children will take part of the structure of the reserve of young players of SD Huesca – They will train and play scheduled games throughout their entire stay, and will go on guided tours in Huesca city and its province in order to complement their sports instruction. Of course, it goes without saying that they will do their homework online and keep a balanced diet, promoting a healthy lifestyle. Last Monday, the members of the programme had the chance to attend El Alcoraz, see the facilities and meet several players of the first team, such as Ferreiro, Joaquín, Mosquera or Pablo Martínez.
“This project with SD Huesca is very special. It’s one of the first teams with whom we’ve started organising this kind of programme,” relates David Rosales, responsible for International Projects in Wakatake Group. “The kids will be able to enjoy and learn about the methodology and the work in a club like this, and they will also make the most of the integration in the local families. In Japan, where the culture is family-based, they find it extremely important. This programme, therefore, is not only focused on football, but also on the education of the young players – their improvements on the language, culture and communication skills. Here they get out of their comfort zone, needing to mix and have contact with people who are completely different from what they’re used to. This experience will be key to their personal growth.”
We can see in the horizon the kids studying in Huesca, living a more authentic experience. Also, we bear in mind the extension and exploration of new programmes in the future, when the football school facilities in Huesca (Base Aragonesa de Fútbol) become a reality.
