After concluding the 3rd stage, the 16 winning regional teams traveled to Mexico City to participate in the Camp de Futbolito Bimbo for a week, where they also prepared for the grand final qualifiers at the Estadio Azteca taking place on July 29. These young players enjoy activities together, coexisting and continuing to learn values through sports.

Camp de Futbolito Bimbo this year brings together more than 190 girls and boys between 9 and 11 years old. The winning participants receive professional training with the coaches of Atlético de Madrid’s junior teams, who prepare the players and coaches with the Club’s own methodology in order to motivate them, improve their ball skills, and encourage fair play.

Futbolito Bimbo's main objective is to contribute to the integral development of children. "The children are in constant contact with the real tactics of in-game training. They are learning, developing, and, at the same time, having fun and being creative. The important thing for us is that these children gain an integral level of development. You have to understand that winning is not important in these stages, there are more important things, such as training,” said Jordi González, Junior Teams Director at Atlético de Madrid.

The coach of the Mexicali team, Eduardo Giraldi, likewise spoke about the training process that the players must have in order to reach the final stage of the tournament. He stressed that effort and discipline are essential for constant training, as they demonstrate the teams’ performance and growth during the time they work together. Not only should training be emphasized, but also the attitude and commitment on the part of the children. He believes that Futbolito Bimbo is doing a good job creating a national event where children from different places can live together, exercise, and have fun.

An important part of the Camp is developed by the Cantera Project, which consists of promoting values in young football players. Throughout the training, emphasis was placed on the use of the Tarjetón Verde, reforzamiento positivo® (Positive Reinforcement Green Card), as a key element to promote good behavior both on and off the pitch. Its objective is for players to acquire knowledge that they can apply to their workouts, games, and other activities, changing the way they interact with their peers and rivals.

Futbolito Bimbo is Grupo Bimbo’s most important social responsibility initiative in Mexico. In numbers, the 2018 edition had the participation of more than 58,000 children, around 5,300 registered teams, and more than 105,000 hours of physical activity in 11,200 games. In addition, 58,000 goals have been scored and more than 6,000 Tarjetas Verdes (green cards) have been taken, which reinforce the positive behavior of children.

For their prize, the National Champions will receive an all-expenses paid trip to Philadelphia, United States, where they will play a friendly match with the champions of the Bimbo Active tournament held in that country. Following that, they will visit the theme parks in Orlando, Florida for five days.

The grand final will be held on July 29 at Azteca Stadium. The entrance will be free. To learn more about Futbolito Bimbo and follow up on the different stages of the tournament, we invite you to visit our page: www.futbolitobimbo.com.mx.