8-a-side youth teams have donated more than 200 books to hospitals in Castellón, Vila-real and Vinaròs to help make their time as inpatients easier
Villarreal CF, through its youth academy, continues to develop not only great footballers, but also people, with a firm commitment to the promotion of values. And once again this has been demonstrated.
On this occasion, all of the 8-a-side football teams from the academy have come together to carry out an emotional solidarity campaign, collecting a total of 220 children’s books that have been donated to different hospitals in the province of Castellón: the Hospital General Universitario in Castellón, the Hospital Vithas in Castellón, the Hospital Universitario de La Plana in Vila-real and the Hospital Comarcal in Vinaròs. The aim is to offer a little respite and bring joy to children in hospital.
A gesture full of meaning
The initiative arose as a result of the values promoted by the Yellows through their Endavant project and, in particular, Endavant Igualtat, which is committed to the education and personal development of youth football players.
“We decided to carry out this action with the youngest players so that they could also do their bit and so involve them actively in this teaching of essential values that is so positive for their development,” explains Rosa Picó, coordinator of the Submarine’s Psychology Department.
And why books? Picó justifies it perfectly: “We often accumulate a lot of books at home, which we read only once and then they just sit on the shelves. This way we give these books a second life with a nice purpose, which is to give a bit of company and distraction to all those children who are in hospital.”
In addition, especially at this time of year, the action takes on an even greater significance. “These are times when families get together and celebrate, but for these children it can be very difficult because they are in a hospital bed. I think they can feel very lonely, so books are a perfect companion, as they allow them to travel to other worlds and disconnect a bit,” says Picó.
With this special purpose in mind, the youngest members of the Villarreal CF youth academy have gone all out, selecting some of their favourite books to give to other children and bring a smile to their faces. In addition, these little ones will find a pleasant surprise when they open these books, as absolutely all of them are dedicated and signed by the young footballer who donated them. “Hello, I hope you get well soon” or “I want to give this book to my new friend. I hope you like it as much as I do’” are some of the little messages as hopeful and emotional messages that can be found.
In short, the Submarine’s young players have been a clear example of how, through a small gesture, a little bit of light and hope can be offered to those who need it most.
