September is always a special month at the Rafa Nadal Foundation Centers in Palma, Valencia, and Madrid. It is a time to return after the summer, to renew hopes, and, above all, to carefully prepare for the start of the school year that begins in October.
These days, we are carrying out one of the most important processes of the year: the welcoming of families of the children and adolescents who will participate in our activities during the 2025-2026 school year.
A warm and personalized welcoming process
Our team of professionals—made up of sports coaches, educators, social workers, and psychologists—interviews each family individually. This step is essential, as it allows us to learn first-hand about the personal and social circumstances of each participant. Only then can we design a support plan as tailored as possible to each child’s needs, ensuring that they receive the appropriate guidance throughout the year.
Talking with families is essential: listening to their stories, concerns, and expectations gives us a broad understanding of each case. Thanks to this initial work, we can better define the different profiles and respond more effectively to the various contexts present at the centers.
A community that grows and stays strong
Each year, a large majority of families choose to continue in our programs. This reflects the trust placed in our work and the satisfaction of seeing how the children progress year after year. This high level of loyalty is a key element in generating continuity in educational and social processes.
At the same time, there is always room for new participants. Many adolescents reach adulthood and leave their spot, making way for younger children referred by social services, local schools, or other community resources we work with in collaboration.
In addition, when an older sibling is already integrated into the center, younger siblings are given priority access. This way, we not only support each child but also their entire family, creating a deeper and more sustainable impact.
Designing the educational plan: much more than activities
Alongside the interviews and once all places are filled, our professional team finalizes the annual educational plan, which includes a wide and varied range of activities that go far beyond academic support:
- Sports, educational, and psychosocial activities tailored to each age and need.
- Monthly family workshops to encourage family involvement and strengthen home relationships.
- Sports activities for adults—especially mothers and fathers—who also find the center a space for their own wellbeing.
- Friday sports clubs, where children can sign up for basketball, athletics, dance, and more.
- Special holiday schools during Christmas, Easter, and summer, as well as seasonal celebrations such as Halloween, Carnival, and, in Valencia, the traditional Fallas school.
Every detail is carefully planned to provide comprehensive support that covers the academic, sporting, social, and emotional aspects of each child’s development.
A vibrant community in three cities
The Rafa Nadal Foundation Centers serve around 550 children and adolescents each year, distributed as follows:
- Palma Center: capacity for 250–270 participants.
- Valencia Center: 120–150 participants.
- Madrid Center: 120–150 participants.
Daily activities are organized into two afternoon shifts, and groups are divided by age, ensuring more appropriate attention and enriching peer interaction.
A new school year full of excitement
We are about to open the doors to a new year full of challenges, learning, and shared experiences. For us, the most valuable part is being able to accompany each child and adolescent on their path towards a quality future, providing them with tools and opportunities to strengthen their abilities.
Very soon, we will begin this school year with the same enthusiasm as always, renewing our commitment to every child, adolescent, and their family.