The next generation of talent in our academy ranks received a surprise videocall from a number of our first-team players in lockdown.
With Futból Base’s 12 youth teams - ranging from the ages of eight to 21-years-old - still unable to play or train, the likes of Xisco Campos, Salva Sevilla, Abdón Prats, Lago Junior, Aleix Febas, Joan Sastre, Alejandro Pozo, Cucho Hernández, Dani Rodríguez and Take Kubo gave aspiring youngsters a much needed boost by discussing a range of topics such as training from home, staying focused and what it takes to reach the top.
“The initiative arose from a conversation between Xisco Campos and Javi Recio in which Xisco shared the first team’s concern for how our boys at grassroots football were getting on,” said Academy Director, Sergio Vallecillo. “From there, the possibility arose to connect players from the senior squad with different teams we have here at grassroots level. Futbol Base Co-Ordinator Toni Álvarez carried it all out together with the club’s communications department.”
“We wanted to show our support for the boys and their families, and thank them because they’ve shown a lot of integrity and solidarity during the difficult situation we’ve had to live through. I think it has been just as rewarding for the first-team players as the kids. They’ve had the chance to remember their childhood and what it was like training at that stage, and in the cases of Abdón, Xisco or Joan, what it’s like going through RCD Mallorca’s academy. I think it was very positive and constructive.”
Having graduated from our academy in 2004 under Hector Cúper and then becoming capitan of his boyhood club upon a return to Son Moix, Xisco Campos has stressed the importance of unity at every level amid the Covid-19 outbreak.
“The idea was that our grassroots boys feel the support of the first team. I think that the club have handled things well. Seeing how we’re united and collaborate with one another in a good way is incredible to me. I think that will make us stronger and I’m sure we’ll go further as a result.”
While competitive football could remain suspended for the foreseeable future, those responsible for the Futból Base say they can already see the positive effect the first team have had on our next generation of talent.
“The boy’s acceptance of recent events has been very good,” said Futbol Base Co-Ordinator, Toni Álvarez. “We planned it as a surprise and the boys have appreciated it very much. Being able to see role models so closely and being able to chat for a while with them has filled our boys with enthusiasm and has given them a boost to face what is left of lockdown.”
“It has been spectacular,” said Futbol Base, president Paco Galmés: “It’s the first time in history that something like this has been done in grassroots football. I think the boys and the coaching staff of our different teams have enjoyed this initiative and I am sure they will take advantage of the advice that the first-team players have given them.”
