The Castellón-based association enjoyed a day full of fun thanks to Endavant Igualtat and the Groguet players
The Castellón-based association AFANIAS was filled with excitement and smiles with the visit of Villarreal CF’s Cadete A players. It was a special day featuring a range of activities focused on inclusion, equality and social participation for both users and players.
The visit began with a warm introduction between the Groguet youngsters and the AFANIAS Castellón users. After getting to know one another, they enjoyed a fun painting and drawing activity together. However, for both users and players alike, the highlight of the day was taking penalties on the football pitch in the centre’s courtyard.
Laura Conejero, social educator at the AFANIAS residence, shared an emotional message highlighting the value of the initiative and the excitement of continuing to work closely with the club: “We are very happy. In addition to giving visibility to our centre and our users, they are delighted whenever new people come to visit.” She also underlined the importance of this visit for the users’ personal development: “These visits motivate our users, as they can take part in everyday activities outside of the centre, fostering their independence and social integration alongside the Villarreal players. We are really pleased that they came and that we can work together throughout the season.”
Users such as Juanjo, who also revealed that he is a season ticket holder, could not hide their gratitude and joy alongside the young Groguet players, who shared a day they will hardly forget: “We are very happy that they came.”
For Cadete A, the experience was equally rewarding, as it helped them appreciate other aspects of life, as explained by their coach Marcos Gullón: “It’s a very important activity for the players, because it shows them what life is like outside the bubble we live in. We are very fortunate for all the conditions the club provides us with and the opportunities life has given us to reach this point. It helps them gain a different perspective and greater humility.”
More about AFANIAS Castellón
AFANIAS Castellón was founded with the aim of offering support and specialised services to people with intellectual disabilities and their families, complementing the work of public administrations.
At present, the organisation has two Early Care Centres, two Occupational Centres, a Day Centre, a Residential Facility and three Supported Living Homes, all operating under a concerted action framework.
