Neymar Jr welcomes children from his foundation to Barcelona

Luan and Lara from the FC Barcelona Foundation’s ‘FutbolNet’ project in Brazil this week visited the club’s facilities where they were greeted by their idol Neymar Jr.

The pair were chosen for the long journey among some 2,400 other youngsters due to their excellent performance at the centre in Brazil.

In their time in Barcelona, as well as getting to know the city, they were able to participate in several fun activities at the club. The highlight was the visit to Ciutat Esportiva, where they were able to meet Neymar after the first team’s training session where he encouraged both of them to continue enjoying the activities of the Barça-led institution.

In order to reinforce the feeling of belonging to this project and to promote good values, the pair were invited to watch a 'FutbolNet' session in the Raval area of Barcelona, at the Miquel Tarradell Institute. There, Lara and Luan shared an afternoon taking in this educational methodology where the team that wins is not necessarily the team that scores the most goals.

For Lara and Luan, it was their first time outside their country and their first time on a plane. It was a trip that they will never forget.

The Neymar Jr. Project Institute

The Neymar Jr. Project Institute is an 8,400m2 education complex for children between seven and 14 years old in Praia Grande. It has classrooms, playing fields, and a swimming pool, and provides sporting activities for underprivileged children in Praia Grande.

Neymar’s quotes

“It is a great honour to make the dreams of these kids come true. They came here by merit and good behavior at school and at the institute. Lara and Luan represent all the families of Jardim Gloria and I hope they enjoyed everything that Barcelona had to offer in terms of culture, sports and education.”