The Yellows have built a special relationship with the people of this historic social centre in Castellón
When Villarreal arrives, the excitement is palpable in the El Cau Austism Centre EL in Castellón. The 31 users show it, each one in their own way. With the singularity that makes them unique and that does not go unnoticed by the workers of the centre, who know them so well.
Day-to-day life at El Cau is entertaining and varied. Activities fill the daily schedule. Pottery, carpentry, social skills or physiotherapy workshops are some of their hobbies at the centre. They also go out to enjoy the city and the shops, like the rest of the people.
But one of the liveliest days is always when Villarreal’s U19s (Juvenil A) come to the centre, with whom they have a special bond thanks to the Endavant Igualtat programme.
To date, they have held five or six gatherings. Many of them in Vila-real, where they have enjoyed Inmersión Villarreal – the Submarine’s Museum&Tour experience – and the Estadio de la Cerámica. They have also taken part in a training session with the young academy team, coached by Charly Mulet. An incredible experience. But now it’s time to act as hosts and also enjoy the facilities of the Castellón centre.
“We have had fun, doing a scavenger hunt with sporting and team tests. We have participated in teams and the truth is that it has been fun. We had a good laugh’, shares Iker Adelantado, part of the U19s squad.
The same feeling is shared by Joan Rodríguez, director of the El CAU Autism Centre, who values the benefits of this kind of activities: “We have done a scavenger hunt with sports and team competitions. The truth is that it has been entertaining, forming teams. The inclusion part is very good for them and also for the future stars of Villarreal. It is very important that they see other realities, that they acquire sensitivity. These experiences mark them for life. It will make them good people.”
After a session of games in the El CAU playground, it was time for a snack, prepared in one of the centre’s rooms. In a very relaxed atmosphere, users and players communicate in a different way and according to the conditions of each other. Ximo, one of the most extroverted members of El CAU, is interested in the life of the players and coaches. His incredible memory impresses everyone who shares a moment with him.
Others decide to have a good time playing table football. It’s 4pm and Manolo Mor, member of El CAU and Villarreal EDI player, prepares his backpack to go to train in Vila-real. When he has everything ready to set off for the training ground, dressed from head to toe in the Yellow Submarine kit, he receives a standing ovation from the U19 boys, his club mates, whom they already knew before seeing him on the training pitches. Manuel smiles and waves with his arm. Everyone chanted his name before closing the Endavant get-together with a family photo. The next one will be at Miralcamp. El CAU will be cheering on the U19s in their match against Elche CF.
