In attendance at the presentation were Blue and Whites’ Club advisers; Francisco Martín Aguilar and Abdullah Ben Barek; along with players, Charles Dias and Miguel Torres; Sports and Youth Delegate in Málaga’s Provincial Government, Cristóbal Ortega; and representatives from the municipalities in the province where the 2016 MCF Camp is being held: Nerja (Javier Marlo, Sports Coordinator), Alameda (Juan Lorenzo Pineda, Mayor), Ronda (Bernardo Crespo, Sports Councillor) Benahavís (Alonso Mena, Sports Councillor), Coín (Fernando Fernández Tapia, Mayor), Alhaurín el Grande (Marcos Aurelio Manzanares, Town Hall Councillor) and Málaga capital.
In the words of Cristóbal Ortega, the Malaguista Camp offers “a unique opportunity to train the boys and girls within the province, aged between 5 and 16, both personally and from a sporting aspect.” Ortega talks about the upcoming ‘Children’s Day’ that allows the children of the province to enjoy a match at La Rosaleda, with workshops, gifts, prize draws and various activities; and the ‘Day of the Province’ in which the various municipalities in Málaga can visit La Rosaleda to showcase the best products from each area. “We want Málaga to get closer to all the municipalities within the province and take Malaguismo to all corners of our country,” says Ortega.
On Monday 22nd February, Málaga CF’s Official 2016 Camp will kick off in Nerja, Alameda and Ronda. The training sessions will improve the technical skills of the boys and girls, under the supervision of La Academia coaches. “They will have a plan of work designed to develop their qualities in a dynamic way, adhering to sporting values and fair play. They will also enjoy swimming, paddle tennis, basketball and indoor-football. The students will have medical insurance, 24-hour medical assistance, a Málaga kit and a ticket for the League match closest to the camp,” says Ortega to the media.
The remaining camps will take place over Easter in Benahavís and Coín, and during summer in Málaga capital and Alhaurín el Grande (internal camp). The closing ceremony will be held at La Rosaleda, where the students will be presented with certificates of participation. Last year over 800 children took part and learnt “the values of sport and Malaguismo. It’s a unique opportunity, and within the Provincial Government we’re thrilled to get this incredible initiative underway,” explains Ortega, who ends his speech by saying: “Girls can enjoy a 20% discount on the price of each camp, thanks to the Málaga CF Foundation; allowing us to promote equality in sport, and with this incentive we hope to see a lot of girls practicing sports.”
Finally, Malaguista Club adviser, Francisco Martín Aguilar thanks “the Mayors and representatives from the Town Halls for making their sports facilities available to Málaga, enabling us to undertake these activities. Málaga will always be willing to collaborate via these camps, and with any activity related to football, which is our sport.”