Unaccompanied migrant children can now join football federations in the Canary Islands

Government of the Canary Islands urges federations to issue licenses for regional competitions

The Department of Education, Vocational Training, Physical Activity and Sports, headed by Poli Suárez, has taken a decisive step to guarantee the inclusion of unaccompanied migrant minors under public guardianship in the Canary Islands in organized youth football. The department formally called on the sports federations to issue the necessary licenses so these children can take part in regional competitions.

This decision builds on the work carried out in recent weeks by the regional executive. Under the minister’s leadership, a dialogue was opened with the inter‑island federations and the Royal Spanish Football Federation to find a solution that respects the law and places the best interests of the child at its core. As a result of this coordinated effort, a situation that directly affected vulnerable young people—limiting their access to grassroots sport—has been resolved, according to Diario de Avisos.

“The Government of the Canary Islands could not remain indifferent to a reality that directly affects the well‑being and development of more than 3,700 minors,” said Ángel Sabroso, Deputy Minister of Physical Activity and Sports.
“We are talking about boys and girls who are under the guardianship of the public administration, and they must have the same opportunities as any other minor to practice sport in their environment,” added José Francisco Pérez, Director General of Sports.