The Málaga CF Foundation holds a roundtable as part of its “Sumemos Juntos” program at the University of Málaga

The Málaga CF Foundation held a new session of its “Sumemos Juntos” program on Friday 17^th April, at the Faculty of Education Sciences of the University of Málaga, under the title “From the dressing room to the stands: the voices of grassroots football.”

The meeting aimed to foster reflection and dialogue around the values of sport and the social challenges surrounding grassroots football, focusing on the importance of creating healthy, respectful, and educational environments for young players.

The session began with institutional welcomes from Carmen Vaquero Cañestro, dean of the Faculty of Education Sciences; Sebastián Fernández ‘Basti,’ representing the Málaga CF Foundation; and Antonio Hernández Mendo, professor of Social Psychology of Sport, who also moderated the subsequent roundtable discussion.

After the presentation of the “Sumemos Juntos” program, an initiative by the Foundation aimed at raising awareness about the importance of values in grassroots sport, a roundtable was held featuring different profiles linked to youth football. Alongside ‘Basti’ participants included José González Carmona, Málaga delegate president of the RFAF in Málaga; Raúl Chavet, refereeing delegate of the RFAF Referees Committee in Málaga; Guillermo Tejada Sáenz, coordinator of The Academy’s 7-a-side football; José Antonio Trujillo, psychologist at The Academy; and Alberto Sierra, representing the families.

During the discussion, key issues were addressed such as pressure from the stands, the responsibility of coaches and families, the role of refereeing, and the psychological impact that certain behaviours can have on boys and girls. From different perspectives, participants agreed on the need to strengthen respect, values-based education, and shared responsibility.

The event also included a space for audience participation, encouraging interaction and the exchange of experiences, before concluding with a shared message: grassroots football should be understood as a space for holistic development in which the child is the central figure, and where all involved stakeholders play a key role.

Through initiatives such as “Sumemos Juntos,” the Málaga CF Foundation continues to work to raise awareness and promote positive change within grassroots football, advocating for an educational, inclusive model built on respect.