Life skills + Soccer for 350 boys in Brazil

At ACER Brasil, futsal is far more than just a sport — it’s a pathway to growth, friendship, and transformation. On the court, boys from the Hércilia and Átila units are not only learning how to dribble and score goals; they are developing life skills that will shape their futures.

A Space for Belonging and Growth

For many of these boys, ACER’s futsal programme provides a safe and structured environment — a place where they feel seen, supported, and capable. Every session is built on values such as discipline, teamwork, respect, and perseverance. The training sessions, led by committed teachers and coordinators, encourage not only athletic improvement but also emotional and social development.

João, from the Hércilia unit, describes how the support of his coaches has helped him evolve:

“My relationship with the teachers is very good — they are always willing to help. The environment is positive; everyone supports each other, and the teachers are always attentive, correcting and guiding us.”

His words capture what many participants feel: that ACER is not just a sports centre, but a community that believes in them.

From Shyness to Confidence

For some boys, joining the futsal team marks the first step in overcoming personal challenges. Derrick, a recent addition to the programme, recalls his early days:

“When I arrived about a month ago, I was shy and nervous. But I managed to overcome that. The teachers always calmed me down, guided me, and helped me improve.”

This story of transformation is repeated across the teams. Through encouragement, trust, and structure, the project helps boys like Luís build confidence — both on and off the court.

Learning Through Competition

Competitions are another key element of the futsal journey. They bring excitement and healthy challenge while reinforcing teamwork and resilience. For Luan, also from Hércilia, the tournaments are moments of pride and growth:

“It’s great to play here. I have a very good relationship with the teachers — they are very attentive and help me a lot. Taking part in tournaments is always a great experience.”

Even when victories don’t come, the lessons learned — cooperation, persistence, and fair play — remain invaluable.

New Experiences, New Horizons

At the Átila unit, the positive ripple effect is clear. Vitor speaks about how the programme has improved his daily life:

“Training here at ACER is really good — I highly recommend it. The teachers are amazing, always encouraging us. The tournaments are great and always bring good experiences.”

For José, also from Átila, futsal has become a turning point:

“Playing at ACER is something I really enjoy — it’s what took me away from my phone and gave me new experiences. The last tournament was great; I was the top scorer and loved it. My team won one match and lost another, but the most important thing was what we learned.”

Building Character, Inspiring Futures

Each testimony reveals how ACER Brasil’s futsal project helps shape boys into responsible, confident, and compassionate young men. The sport becomes a bridge — connecting discipline with joy, teamwork with friendship, and effort with personal achievement.

Behind every practice and every game are dedicated educators who model empathy, respect, and commitment. Their mentorship ensures that futsal at ACER goes beyond physical training — it becomes a life lesson in resilience, community, and hope.

A Mission in Motion

Through initiatives like the boys’ futsal project, ACER Brasil continues to live its mission: transforming lives through education, coexistence, and sport. The boys who step onto the court each week are not just learning how to play — they are learning how to dream, lead, and believe in themselves.

In the words of one of the coaches: “We don’t just train players. We nurture citizens — young people who understand that winning is not only about goals, but about the person they become.”

In order to protect the privacy of the boys, we have changed their names for this report.