Madridismo!

I am no football fan and I do not follow football as a sport. I have however, at different points in time, admired football players. Pele, Socrates, Zico, Linekar, Platini, Rummenigge, Rossi, Beckenbauer and Maradona were amongst the footballers that I related with in my growing years. With Dhruv's interest in football, I have been a little more exposed to the games and the various clubs that are part of the game's ecosystem. So, an opportunity to visit the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid was something I took with a pinch of seriousness! However, I must admit that I came back from the visit feeling nice, not so much for learning more about the game but from realising the good that sport can and is doing, to better the lives of people.

The stadium is easily accessed using the Madrid metro and the nearest station in the Chamartin area of the city carries the name of the stadium. The stadium is owned by Real Madrid Football Club and was inaugurated in 1947.

Currently it seats over 85,000 spectators and rises to over 70 meters from the football field. The stadium is a sea of blue, the colour of the Club, with all seats being in that colour. Retractable roofs form the ceiling and the stadium is heated for the comfort of the spectators. A tour of the stadium takes you to the seating area at 50 metres above the field for a panoramic view of the stadium, the field which has well maintained green grass, the display room for the trophies and memorabilia, the players' tunnel, the preparation area that includes the lockers, jacuzzis, showers, massage areas, etc, the dug outs and the press room.  Through the entire visit, we were treated to the arousing rendition of the Real Madrid theme song, Hala Madrid!

Trophies and memorabilia

Memorabilia again!

Golden boot

Footballer of the year trophy

Players' locker room

Jacuzzi in the players' waiting area

VIP Box

Press room

The Club has a rich history and has won many laurels. Ferenc Puskas with an average of almost a goal for every match he played was a member of the Club. Other known footballers who were part of the Real Madrid team include Beckham, Zidane, Cristiano Ronaldo and Raul.

The current first eleven are in the photograph below:

The Club earned the FIFA recognition for the best club of the century.

Besides football, Real Madrid has a successful basketball team. And, over the years, it has strived to bring together other sports under its fold. Tennis and baseball are most prominent.

The Real Madrid Foundation supports many social causes. Through the entire visit, the idea of leveraging sport to build character and confidence in young people came out in an overwhelming way. Their sport academies build sportsmen like character with focus on fair play, team work, hard work, discipline and respect. Their sports academies provide opportunities for physically challenged children and youngsters to build their confidence and stay integrated with the larger population, building acceptance. The Foundation supports social inclusion of children from different backgrounds using games like football and basketball. Elderly people are also made socially useful through physical activity.

Real Madrid Club tries to promote the quality that they refer to as "Madridismo" - playing the beautiful game in a beautiful way. Playing the game without focussing on the winning but playing it with style and honour. And, it is extending this beyond the game to everyday life!