Miami Dade College (MDC) signed an agreement with the FC Barcelona Foundation at a host press conference, on Friday, July 28, to launch FutbolNet, a one-of-a-kind program that will provide support to local high school students by using soccer as an innovative teaching methodology to improve school performance, provide conflict-resolution techniques and foster social cohesion. The FC Barcelona Foundation is the community building arm of the globally popular football club in Spain, Barcelona or Barça as called by its fans worldwide. 
MDC’s President Dr. Eduardo J. Padrón and FC Barcelona’s President Josep María Bartomeu signed the agreement, which was be held during FC Barcelona’s visit to Miami to play against Real Madrid on July 29, in a match dubbed “El Clasico.”
In 2018, Miami will implement FutbolNet, a six-month program offered at MDC’s Kendall and North Campuses. New York City will kick off the program in its public schools this fall. Young people, ages 14-18, will gain a sense of responsibility and acquire self-confidence from the educational methodologies and curriculum provided through the innovative program. Topics will include learning about humility, sportsmanship, respect, conflict resolution, team-work and leadership.
About FC Barcelona FoundationThe FC Barcelona Foundation was created in 1994 with the aim of carrying out the corporate social responsibility of FC Barcelona. At present, the projects they are developing are mainly based on the transmission of values to children through sport, in Catalonia and around the world. It currently has more than 700,000 beneficiaries in more than 50 countries. Since 2006, FC Barcelona adheres to the “Millennium Development Goals” of the United Nations and provides 0.7 percent of its revenue to its Foundation to implement various projects. Since 2010, the players and coaches of the club’s professional sections provide 0.5 percent of their salaries to the Foundation.
