Transforming Lives: The Uplifting Odyssey of the Barcelona Futbol Club Foundation and TMN
The Barcelona Futbol Club Foundation triumphantly concluded the second edition of the Joves Futur+ program, with Teens Media Network proudly joining the program by welcoming youth into our network.
The young participants at the program during the closing celebration of the second edition. Photo by BFC Foundation.
The Barcelona Futbol Club Foundation has triumphantly concluded the second edition of the Joves Futur+ (Future Youth+) program, Supported by La Caixa Foundation, this initiative aims to promote the social inclusion of young people formerly in foster care in Catalonia through comprehensive and individualized support, fostering full emancipation and autonomy, and providing a dignified future. "These youth have faced challenges that no one should have to endure. They are emotionally vulnerable and need unwavering support and stability to succeed," said Marta Segú, Executive Director at the Barcelona Futbol Club Foundation, during the celebration at the Auditorium 1899 in Camp Nou, Barcelona.
Teens Media Network proudly participated in this mission by inviting youth to join our network during our stay in Barcelona. Our collaboration with the project allowed us to witness firsthand the transformative power of such programs. We provided the youth with opportunities to work on real-world projects, such as covering major events like the Primavera Sound, Primavera Pro and Sónar music festivals. This hands-on experience not only enhanced their technical skills but also helped build their confidence and professional portfolios.
Through these efforts, we saw the remarkable potential within each young individual. Our involvement with the Barcelona Futbol Club Foundation exemplifies how supportive partnerships can create meaningful change, empowering vulnerable youth to envision and build a brighter future.
Young participants sharing the experience with the Joves Futur+ Program during the closing celebration of the second edition. Photo by Abdennour Dahdouh for TMN.
Educational Innovation for Youth Integration
The Barcelona Futbol Club Foundation has crafted an innovative program that focuses not only on the well-being of the youth involved but also on creativity in finding effective tools to assist these young individuals in their transition to independence. This program integrates educational innovation with practical skill-building, offering a holistic approach that addresses the unique challenges faced by young people formerly in foster care. "This project has demonstrated what vulnerable youth are capable of achieving when given the chance and the confidence they need to succeed," said Marta Segú during our insightful interview.
The program emphasizes personalized support, providing tailored educational resources and opportunities that cater to the diverse needs and aspirations of each participant. By fostering an environment that encourages creativity, resilience, and self-discovery, the foundation ensures that these young individuals can navigate their paths to independence with confidence and competence. This innovative approach not only equips them with essential life skills but also inspires them to envision and strive for a promising future.
Photos below: Marta Sagú, Executive Director at the Barcelona Futbol Club Foundation; Ester Morillas, Project Manager; Marta Montoya, Joves Futur+ Managing Director; and Cosmi, a young participant in the Joves Futur+ Program, during the interviews we developed for TMN. Watch the interviews here.
Three Pillars of Transformation
The project operates on three interconnected strategic lines: Training and Employment Insertion, which offers training capsules in transversal skills for employability and intensive vocational training to facilitate access to the labor market, and develops individualized insertion pathways with the help of an employment facilitator to secure job placements; Mentorship Programs, where mentors provide voluntary, individual support to young people formerly in foster care, acting as trusted figures who help youth explore new realities, share hobbies, and provide emotional support, fostering a sense of belonging and emotional bonds; and Psychological Support, which provides a psychosocial support space tailored to the needs of each young person, aiming to improve self-perception, overcome challenges, and offer emotional support to strengthen self-esteem and confidence.
Teens Media Network’s Involvement
From TMN, we emphasized the importance of storytelling and creative expression as tools for social change. We encouraged the youth to share their stories and experiences through multimedia projects, fostering a sense of agency and empowerment. By connecting them with industry professionals and mentors, we aimed to create a supportive community where they could thrive.
One of the standout participants, Abdennour Dahdouh, a 19-year-old from Morocco, joined Teens Media Network as a multimedia producer. He covered events such as the Primavera Sound, Primavera Pro and Sónar music festivals in Barcelona, and contributed to several other productions by TMN over recent months. Abdennour’s talent as a multimedia producer and musician flourished, thanks to the connections facilitated by TMN and the Barcelona Futbol Club Foundation.
TMN Founder Pablo Herrera with representatives of other organizations participating in the Joves Futur+ Program during the closing celebration of the second edition in Barcelona.
Challenges that Inspire
Ester Morillas, Program Manager at the Barcelona Futbol Club Foundation, emphasized that collective effort and determination have enabled the overcoming of significant challenges. "Teamwork, tolerance, and resilience have been key to achieving our goals," she stated. This sentiment was echoed by Marta Montoya, Project Manager for Labor Insertion at EDUVIC and Coordinator of Joves Futur+, who highlighted the importance of allowing youth to learn from their mistakes, fostering perseverance and resilience.
A Promising Future Ahead
The Joves Futur+ project has underscored the vital role of supportive programs in shaping the futures of vulnerable youth. For Teens Media Network and Colectivo Piloto, our involvement has been profoundly impactful. We have seen firsthand the positive changes such initiatives bring, reinforcing our commitment to youth empowerment and creative collaboration. This project not only highlights the potential within each young individual but also the importance of community and support in unlocking that potential.
The future is exceptionally promising for the youth of Catalonia, thanks to the unwavering dedication and innovative spirit of the Barcelona Futbol Club Foundation and its partners, for which we are deeply grateful to have been part of fulfilling this mission.
