Training the Mind at Marcet: New Debates

Students under 14 participate in weekly debates to develop critical thinking and communication skills, an innovation in their comprehensive training.

Students under 14 in the High-Performance Intensive Courses at Marcet now have a new tool for their holistic development: “debates.” These sessions, which take place twice a week, are designed to improve the young footballers’ physical performance and enhance their analytical skills and decision-making abilities on the field.

Luciano Luis Bilbao, one of the coaches leading this initiative, explains: “What we’re aiming for is for the kids not just to play football, but to learn to think and make quick decisions.” During the debates, students analyze videos that recreate game situations, such as how a team at a disadvantage manages to equalize a match, and then discuss their observations as a group.

The work is carried out in two separate rooms: one for French and English students and another for Spanish speakers. This allows each group to focus on their native language, facilitating better understanding and more active participation in the discussions.

This activity also strongly emphasizes values such as humanity, humility, and honesty, which are fundamental pillars of Marcet’s philosophy. “It’s important for children to understand that personal growth goes hand in hand with development in sports,” Bilbao stresses. At Marcet, forming intelligent footballers with strong values is a priority; these debates are a clear example.