WILLEMSTAD - “Participating is more important than winning,” emphasizes Remko Bicentini, the initiator of the social project ‘From Street to Stadium’. This lighthearted and accessible neighborhood soccer tournament held its first matches in October, open to both boys and girls.
The focus is not on official competitions but on having fun together and learning from each other. Through the project, young participants learn the value of winning, losing, and teamwork.
The tournament offers more than just soccer. All participants receive a medal and a certificate of participation. The winners are awarded a mini-championship cup, and there are prizes for the best penalty-shooting team.
However, the main emphasis is on the social aspect, according to Bicentini. It’s about respect, unity, and developing social skills.
During the tournament, simple game rules are followed without complicated discussions, such as offside calls. “It’s pure soccer, just like on the streets,” says Tino Change, an ambassador of the Fundashon Bicentini. Prominent ambassadors like Rignald Hato and Germaine Manuel ensure the rules are followed fairly.
Social Goals
The ‘From Street to Stadium’ project, also known as the Fundashon Bicentini Street League, features fourteen neighborhood teams from various areas of Curaçao. The competition focuses on social goals rather than athletic achievements. Young players learn values like respect and teamwork, reinforced through a bonus/malus system. Teams can earn extra points for fair play and punctuality, while points can be deducted for unsportsmanlike behavior.
In addition to soccer, theme nights and clinics are organized to educate the youth about respect, education, and their role in the community. Bicentini believes these activities contribute to social cohesion within neighborhoods and improve the overall living environment. “We want to teach kids responsibility at home, school, and in their community,” adds Sharethsie Dometilia, ambassador of Fundashon Bicentini.
Broad Involvement
The project has ambitious goals, such as reducing childhood obesity, improving lifestyles, and developing talents. The organization also aims to decrease neighborhood disturbances and increase parental involvement. The team that scores the highest in the bonus/malus system wins a neighborhood party for their entire area, reinforcing the importance of fair play and good behavior.
“It’s important that the project eventually becomes something that belongs to the children themselves,” says Dometilia. Although participation is free, the young participants are expected to contribute by honoring commitments and responsibilities.
