When the school year ends, a particularly important time begins for many children: summer. A period that should be full of play, learning, and well-being. However, in many rural communities in India, this time of year can also mean a lack of structure, opportunities, and safe spaces to continue developing.
That’s why, at the Rafa Nadal Foundation, in collaboration with the Vicente Ferrer Foundation and RDT, we organize the summer camps at NETS (Nadal Educational Tennis School) every year—an initiative for healthy leisure that goes far beyond sports.
This summer, 170 girls and boys took part in our activities, improving their tennis skills while also strengthening their learning in English and computer science. But most importantly, they did so in a safe, inclusive environment filled with opportunities to connect, coexist, and grow as individuals.
In a society where deep divisions by gender, origin, or social group still exist, NETS stands out as a different kind of space. Here, no matter where you come from or who you are, you have the same right to play, learn, share, and feel supported.
Additionally, each year the camp’s closing coincides with a very special date: Rafa Nadal’s birthday. We celebrate it with great joy, as it deserves to be. All of the staff and children are deeply grateful to Rafa for his commitment and vision in launching this project 15 years ago. Thanks to his continued support, thousands of children have found in NETS a place to grow with dignity, respect, and equality.
Tennis is the tool, but the true goal is to offer equal opportunities, foster self-esteem, and help build a happier and fairer childhood.
Throughout the summer camp, our team of professionals stayed close to the children, focusing not only on their academic or athletic performance but, above all, on their emotional well-being. Because we believe that holistic development begins with feeling valued, heard, and cared for.
We will continue working to ensure that each summer at NETS remains an unforgettable experience, full of values, learning, and smiles.