The Football Association of Viana do Castelo (AFVC) announced plans to start in October with concentrations of young players (petizes and traquinas), bringing football in a rotating manner to the different municipalities in the district. The president of the association, Ricardo Felgueiras, explained that five concentrations are planned per weekend, distributed across locations such as Valença, Caminha, and Viana do Castelo, with the aim of reducing travel for families and providing more playing opportunities for children.
Each concentration brings together on average about 100 children, representing between 500 to 600 young people involved per weekend. The association also wants to reach children who do not yet regularly play football, emphasizing that as long as there is a child at home with the desire to play, they will do everything to get them out of the house.
For the youngest age groups, the AFVC believes that football should be above all synonymous with fun, without competitive pressure. Ricardo Felgueiras highlighted that results and technical specialization should not be a priority at these ages, emphasizing motor development, a love for the sport, and children's enjoyment.
The association also plans to regularly promote street football in public spaces, as a way to bring the sport closer to communities and take children out of the digital world. Additionally, the AFVC wants to strengthen support for clubs with more equipment and technical monitoring, warning about the importance of developing basic motor skills before sports specialization.
