At the Rafa Nadal Foundation Centers, sports go far beyond physical exercise. Every match, every game, every training session is also an opportunity to grow internally. That’s why we accompany our sports activities with a moment of reflection.
We want girls, boys, and teenagers to understand that what happens on the court also happens in life: emotions, challenges, joys, frustrations… and that all of these feelings can be learned to be managed.
After each activity, our professionals ask a series of key questions to the children and teens, inviting them to think and share:
How did you feel during the game? What was the hardest part? What were you proud of…?
These questions help children put words to their emotions, something essential for strengthening emotional intelligence and well-being.
We work on various important aspects for their development, such as self-esteem and self-confidence, teamwork, and resilience.
1- Self-confidence and self-esteem: celebrating every step
One of the great lessons we achieve through sport is self-confidence. When a child scores a basket, runs faster, or simply finishes a task that seemed difficult, their self-esteem grows.
Because sport reminds us that every step counts, that every small achievement is a personal victory.
And the most beautiful thing is to see how the children we work with share those achievements out loud: “I didn’t know I could do this!” or “I’m proud of not giving up!”
2- Teamwork: sharing is progressing
Group dynamics are also a pillar of our sessions. Team sports teach us to collaborate, trust one another, and understand that success is built together.
Through cooperative games, children discover that they can support each other, listen to each other, and learn from one another.
When asked, “How did my team help me?” they often reply with a smile: “They cheered me on when I wanted to give up” or “They showed me how to do it better.”
3- Resilience and emotional regulation: learning from mistakes and moving forward
In the game, as in life, we don’t always win. Sometimes things don’t go as we want, and that’s where sports show their true power: teaching us to rise, take a deep breath, and keep going.
Emotions like frustration, anger, or fear are also present on the court. But instead of ignoring them, we observe them, recognize them, and learn how to manage them.
This strengthens emotional resilience, a key skill for life.
A positive approach that transforms
Through play, our children discover themselves, explore their strengths, and feel part of something greater. Because sport, when lived with intention, is a powerful tool for educating, motivating, and transforming.
That’s why, in every activity, we not only engage in physical activity: emotions are awakened, values are trained, and stronger, more secure futures are built.