Yesterday in Miami, Florida, a union between the Pies Descalzos Foundation and the FC Barcelona Foundation was announced which will benefit more than 28,000 children and adolescents.

The launch of Soccer for Youth Development and Healthy Living was attended by Shakira and FC Barcelona superstars Piqué, Puyol & Busquets at the  University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida.

Shakira, Founder of the Pies Descalzos Foundation, spotlighted the Hispanic community and declared:  “Not only do we represent the largest minority in the country, but the fastest growing; our community is in urgent need to provide all the necessary tools so that our children can develop their maximum potentials, talents, and intelligence.”  Additionally, she stated the use of sports with boys and girls reiterating her commitment by saying:  “The Hispanics in the United States have all the talent and desire; what we need now is more education and more sports to keep the ball on our side and to achieve the best play”.

Ramón Pont, Vice President of the FC Barcelona Foundation declared: “I value in the most positive light this alliance for our club.  Uniting the forces of soccer and music will assist the development of communities in dire social needs. It is a long road that is necessary, one that we will take together to succeed as far as possible”.
 
This announcement is the culmination of a cooperative agreement that was signed between the “Fundación Pies Descalzos” and the “Fundación FC Barcelona” on February 17, 2011 which includes the construction of Sports venues and recreational facilities in Cartagena, Colombia and Miami, Florida.

The projects encompassing this agreement focus principally on the desire to work jointly for vulnerable children in Colombia and the U.S. Hispanic community who are at high risk of social exclusion.