Penya L.A.

Our Mission

To promote a social model that supports the achievement of social, cultural, and educational programs for our youth through our Soccer Academy: PB FCBarcelona L.A.

"Mes Que Una Penya"

These programs, on their own or as part of collaborations, allow us to fulfill our social commitment of "Mes Que Una Penya" (More Than A Fan Club) not only nationally but internationally as well.

In that spirit, the message must be clear, education is the gateway to their future.

Our Objectives

The general objectives of our Foundation are:

a) To encourage sports activities (mainly soccer) in conjunction with educational development programs, to children and youths throughout our communitites.

b) To promote and perform actions which encourage sportsmanship values among children, such as: effort, mutual respect, friendship, as well as tolerance on both academic and athletic levels.

c) Provide opportunities through sports activities to immigrant youths, who are most vulnerable and at risk of certain social, cultural, economic, and sports exclusion.

Our Ideology and Principles

All of our Foundation's actions and objectives are implemented in accordance with the "Fundacion FC Barcelona," and are committed to the following statements:

- United Nations Millenium Development Goals
- Alliances with Unicef
- ECOSOC (Economic and Social Council of the United Nations)
- International Network of Solidarity Centers (XICS) - with the main objective being to set up extra-curricular centers on different continents that offer school support, health care, psycho-social support and access to sport and leisure for the most vulnerable children.
- Sport Solidarity Conferences (JES) is a Foundation program designed to train educators in the use of sport as a tool for teaching and social integration.

"Sports also have to be included more systematically in aid programs for children, especially those who are living in the middle of poverty, diseases and conflicts." Kofi Annan - 7th UN General Secretary

Our Programs

a) Sportsmanship: The Sportsmanship Programs of our Foundation are designed to encourage sports activities that are more demanding, in terms of moral education among youths, and therefore increase positive social aspects more efficiently.

b) Sports, It's a Cultural Component: Our Foundation focuses on the development of Sports Programs that encourage social and cultural experiences through travel. These experiences are an integral aspect to quality of life as well as social cohesion for all youths.

c) Assistance and Social Cohesion: To provide support and assistance to children who do not have the economic wherewithall to take part in after-school sports activities. With our support, they now have access to our soccer teams, summer camps, clinics, seminars, trips and educational counceling.

    Sports, teaches our youth that in order to succeed, they need to be unified and work as a team. This concept applies to all aspects of society. The aspects of respect, fellowship, fair play, and justice that our youths learn through sports activities encourage social cohesion and are in direct contrast with the discrimination of minorities.

Our Fundraising

From its inception, our Organization has struggled to meet the financial demands of the Club Soccer environment. Approximately 90% of our 500 youths (Boys & Girls) are simply not able to afford some or all of the fees and expenses, and that number grows each year with new registrations. In order to offer these children an environment of discipline and education through soccer, we continue to seek individual and corporate sponsors.

If you are interested in becoming a Sponsor of our Program, or for more information, please contact us at: FCB.

We thank you for your anticipated support.

Paul Walker
President

MES Que Futbol

"Helps educate underprivileged youths and refugees through sport."

Our Foundation is involved in supporting and spreading the message of the partnership between FC Barcelona's Foundation, Nike and UNHCR to bring sport and education to underprivileged youths and refugees around the world.

The net proceeds from the sale of MES-branded products are distributed through the FC Barcelona Foundation and UNHCR's ninemillion.org campaign to raise awareness and to fund projects which contribute to sports and education for some of the most disadvantaged youths in the world.

It's easy for anyone to contribute to MES by purchasing the MES-branded products available on-line at:

http://www.mesfootball.org/mes/en/collection

Wear the collection with pride and with the knowledge that all proceeds go directly to help those most in need. You can also get involved by making a donation directly to UNHCR, or by joining the MES community.