Brazil’s Under-15 and Under-17 National Teams are doing way more than just kicking a ball around at Granja Comary. During their current call-up in Teresópolis, these young players are tackling a massive educational program, one that combines serious academic support with vital citizenship development. This isn’t just about crafting future soccer pros, it is about shaping actual human beings.
Beyond the Pitch: Education Is the Real Playbook
The whole project, led by youth national teams pedagogue Eliane Paim, has been going strong since 2026. The goal is super clear: make sure these young athletes can balance their intense training schedule with their school life. It’s a smart move, working hand-in-hand with their clubs, offering individual monitoring, and getting everyone together for group discussions on what it means to grow up. It shows they’re investing in more than just footwork, they are building character.
Taking On Prejudice and Not Just as Spectators
Last Sunday, the Under-17 National Team got into an intense session focused on fighting racism. After watching a powerful report from Esporte Espetacular, on TV Globo, these young men dove deep. They analyzed real situations of prejudice in football, discussed the heavy consequences for those targeted, and really dug into the responsibility of everyone on the team. They talked about the impact on performance and emotional well-being, the crucial role of teammates and referees, and what rules need to be enforced. They were put into groups, then brought it all back for a big discussion, pushing them to think about how they’d react if it happened to them.
Eliane Paim put it perfectly, “They also need to feel responsible for what happens, and not just be spectators. So they also need to mobilize. I’m not doing it, I’m not the one suffering the offense. But that does not mean they should stay silent or remain on the sidelines. Quite the opposite.” And she hit hard on the “joke” excuse: “I think this very much falls into that dangerous context of assuming it’s a joke. ‘I’m joking, he’s laughing.’ But the fact that a teammate is laughing does not mean he likes it. And even if he laughs along, if what you said was inappropriate, then it’s not acceptable.” That’s the real talk these kids need to hear. They even had a writing exercise asking, “How can information and team unity be the best plays against racism?” Talk about building argumentative skills, empathy, ethics, and leadership all at once.
This isn’t a one-off thing either. The program also tackles other crucial topics like violence against women, navigating social media, and bullying. Eliane Paim said it best: “Our focus, in this sense, is development for life.” This project is about much more than just producing world-class athletes, it is about creating outstanding individuals who understand their role in the world, on and off the field. That’s something worth watching as these kids keep developing.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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