Sandals Resorts Teams Up with AFC Ajax to Boost Curaçao Youth Development

New Commitment to Youth Through Sports

AFC Ajax, Sandals Resorts, and the Sandals Foundation have expanded their collaboration on the Future Goals program in Curaçao, extending their partnership until June 2028. This deliberate commitment aims to enhance educational opportunities for local schoolchildren through a unique initiative that intertwines soccer with vital life skills like environmental responsibility and teamwork.

The Joy of Soccer and Sustainable Practices

Celebrating this significant milestone, the two organizations have produced a captivating film that encapsulates the transformative essence of the Future Goals program. It showcases how engaging in sports can foster joy and inspire young individuals to be environmentally conscious while nurturing a brighter future for the island.

Future Goals Program Overview

Launched in 2022, the Future Goals initiative is not just about soccer; it’s a dynamic strategy to engage youth creatively. The program collaborates with local entity Limpi Recycling to repurpose ocean plastic into eco-friendly soccer goals for primary schools across Curaçao. This innovative approach not only addresses environmental issues but also integrates sustainability into children’s lives through sports.

Curriculum and Community Impact

The program features an engaging eight-week curriculum that pairs classroom education with practical, on-field training. Sessions are led by local “Future Coaches,” who receive training from AFC Ajax, ensuring that participants not only enhance their physical abilities but also develop crucial life skills.

Environmental Achievements

To date, the achievements of Future Goals have had a profound impact, with over 1.4 million plastic bottles and caps removed from local communities and substantial fishing nets salvaged from the ocean. Over 70 recycled soccer goalposts have been set up in schools, further supporting sustainability and education. Equipped with sustainable gear, over 3,000 students have already had the chance to learn in a safer, greener environment.

Growing Together for a Sustainable Future

The expansion of Future Goals is set to reach even more students, featuring additional annual activities like the Plastic Art Challenge and inter-school tournaments. Recently, 743 children from 21 schools participated in community clean-ups, successfully promoting environmental stewardship and camaraderie.

Empowering Through Play

As noted by Patrice Gilpin, PR Manager of the Sandals Foundation, this partnership represents a golden opportunity for children to forge connections with their ecosystem while developing leadership skills through play. This initiative illustrates that investment in youth leads to a more sustainable Caribbean future.

A Global Impact from One Partnership

According to Cas Biesta, Commercial Director of AFC Ajax, the Future Goals program reflects how sports can foster significant changes far beyond mere gameplay. It serves to teach important values like creativity and resilience, as well as environmental stewardship, fundamental components for today’s youth.

Riassunto del viaggio che ci attende

The Future Goals program not only reshapes the lives of young people in Curaçao but also highlights the role sports play in community and environmental development. It’s a clear reminder that while statistics show the program’s broad reach, personal experiences—much like those you can create through diverse travel options—are what truly make a difference.

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As tourism continues to evolve, the significance of programs like Future Goals remains clear. They encourage collective responsibility towards the environment while nurturing young leaders. For your next trip, consider the convenience and reliability of LocalsRide. Whether choosing a taxi to the airport or planning a local transfer, experience the benefits of tailored service and unbeatable transparency to enhance your travel experience. Book your ride with LocalsRide.com oggi!