Guardiola Invites Palestinian Children
Pep Guardiola welcomed 28 Palestinian children to his annual youth football camp in Spain this summer, giving them a chance to enjoy football alongside hundreds of other young players.
The former Manchester City manager hosted the children during the sixth edition of the Pep Summer Camp, held in Rialp, a village in Spain’s Catalonia region. The three-week program was organized by the Guardiola Sala Foundation and focused on football training, teamwork, nutrition, social responsibility, and personal development.
Around 705 children between the ages of 6 and 16 attended the 2026 camp, which took place from late June to mid-July. Among the participants were 28 Palestinian children, according to local Spanish newspaper Segre.
Children Join Football Activities
The Palestinian children were included in regular training groups instead of joining a separate program. Five camp monitors also worked as interpreters to help them communicate and adjust to the new environment.
The idea started after a young Palestinian living in Barcelona contacted camp organizers in January. He suggested bringing children from Palestine to meet Guardiola and spend time away from the difficulties caused by conflict. The children travelled from Tel Aviv to Barcelona before arriving at the camp in the Catalan Pyrenees.
Camp coordinator Toni Aguilar said the organizers wanted every child to feel included. He explained that the children were treated like any other participant and could enjoy football with their new teammates.
Guardiola spent time with the young players during the camp, speaking with them, taking photos, and watching training sessions. Videos of the Spanish coach interacting with the children were widely shared online.
Foundation Promotes Inclusion
Laura Guerra, director of the Guardiola Sala Foundation, said the organization aims to introduce children to different experiences while promoting empathy and inclusion through sport. The foundation hopes to continue similar projects in future editions.
The Pep Summer Camp has become one of the foundation’s main youth programs. It offers residential and day programs, with guest coaches, former professional players, and specialists helping with football lessons and educational activities.
Guardiola has also been known for publicly speaking about the humanitarian situation in Gaza. He has expressed concerns about the suffering of Palestinian civilians and previously participated in solidarity events in Barcelona.
This was the newest camp, where kids from diverse backgrounds were united on the soccer field in Spain.
Watch the video here:
More from Wake Up Singapore:
US Congressman Ro Khanna Detained by Israeli Settlers During Palestine Visit
‘World’s first’ bookstore dedicated to Palestinian culture outside Palestine opens in Barcelona
https://wakeup.sg/lamine-yamal-palestine/
If you have a story or a tip-off, email admin@wakeup.sg or get in touch via Whatsapp at 8882 5913.
Interested in advertising on our media channels? Reach out to us at admin@wakeup.sg!
Since you have made it to the end of the article, follow Wake Up Singapore on Telegram and X!
Wake Up Singapore is a volunteer-run site that covers alternative views in Singapore. If you want to volunteer with us, sign up here!
