Football’s potential to promote good values and life skills will be explored across a number of Ibero-American countries through a new programme targeting youngsters of all ages.

The ‘Ibero-American School of Football and Values’, a Spanish Professional Football League (LPF) initiative inspired in its project ‘Campus de Fútbol LFP’ and the European Union ‘Campus of Football & Values’, aims to pass on the values of fair play, multiculturalism and inclusion, respect and teamwork through the practice of football.

LFP President Javier Tebas said: “This project is showing to governmental institutions how sport, and football in particular, can be used as an educational tool. It aims to reach youngsters from an early age and promote inclusion.

“It is about time to take a step forward and use professional football to improve the opportunities of the youth. Is it is our duty to develop actions that can promote sport and have an impact on their lives.”

The programme is looking to set a example on how to address issues around youth in vulnerable and risk situations, including social exclusion, violence and discrimination.

The countries interested in implementing the initiative will adapt the model to its own needs.

“We are creating a landmark in terms of collaboration to further education through sport”, added the LFP President.

The programme was announced during the XVII Ibero-American Conference of Ministers and Senior Youth Officials (17-19 September), in Burgos, Spain, attended by 16 representatives of the 21 countries that comprise the Ibero-American Youth Organization (OIJ), including Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Chile, Cuba, Ecuador, El Salvador, España, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Portugal, República Dominicana, Uruguay and Venezuela.