On October 28, the Estrella en la calle initiative was inaugurated in the municipality of Arona, aimed at offering assistance to 15 children aged between 5 and 12 years who are in vulnerable circumstances through sports and education. This proposal has been championed by businessman Maurizio Errico, who spent two years developing it and worked alongside various local organisations to ensure its success.
The not-for-profit initiative aspires to create a secure environment for youngsters to engage in football. Furthermore, this project offers the expertise of psychologists and social workers, tasked with recognising and addressing any emotional and social challenges the children may encounter owing to their situations. “Considering the allure that football has for younger audiences, I thought it appropriate to advocate for it as a preventive measure against various influences that could steer some youths down a perilous path: substance misuse, alcoholism, gambling… risks that are alarmingly prevalent in our society and spreading across our neighbourhoods.”
Among the collaborators instrumental in bringing this initiative to fruition is CD Marino, which has made its facilities available and provided coaches, with its president, Paco Santamaría, playing a vital role in the project. Father José Estévez, the parish priest of Los Cristianos, has also offered support; he has been enthusiastic about the project from the outset and assisted in hiring a psychologist and a social worker. “I wanted to emphasise the psychosocial aspects greatly. Ultimately, sport helps clear the mind, but having professionals who listen to and support these children enhances the overall impact,” Errico emphasises.
Companies such as Químicos Fénix and Adidas Tenerife have also been crucial, contributing the necessary sports equipment for the children. “We have received assistance in navigating the complexities of the project. I cannot express enough gratitude to all those involved for their contributions. “It feels like a dream to be able to achieve this,” Errico shares with enthusiasm.
The Estrella en la calle project runs twice a week at the Antonio Domínguez Annex field. Children are categorised into specific age groups to tailor support and instruction according to their developmental requirements. “We aim for these boys and girls to feel empowered, learn, and benefit from the fundamentals of the sport through football,” he conveyed.
SOCIAL INTEGRATION
The initiative is rooted in the belief that sport serves as an effective instrument for human growth and social integration. Estrella en la calle aims to cultivate values such as solidarity, empathy, and camaraderie, while endeavouring to avert common issues faced by youth.
In this initial phase, the project is working with 15 boys and girls, but Errico expresses hope to increase this number and gain additional support to broaden infrastructure in the future. “There are still vacancies available, and plans are in place to incorporate more activities and resources in the upcoming months to enhance the initiative’s impact. We have another project in consideration,” noted Errico, who refrains from disclosing details but adds: “we intend to improve the lives of hundreds of children in this municipality. “That is my vision for the future.”
The project also enjoys the backing of the Rotary Club Tenerife Sur and financial institutions such as CaixaBank, which have provided monetary support. “The involvement of these organisations bolsters the initiative’s ability to create a suitable environment where minors can develop fully,” concludes Errico.
