A bridge between social sciences and football

The Latin American Council of Social Sciences (CLACSO) and Racing Club signed a cooperation agreement, unique in the region, aimed at strengthening the relationship between the social sciences and football. Training, research, the publication of materials, and the organization of events on the subject guide the agreement, signed by Karina Batthyány, Executive Secretary of the institution created in 1967 as part of a UNESCO initiative, and Víctor Blanco Rodríguez, President of the Argentine club founded on March 25, 1903, in Avellaneda, Buenos Aires Province.

The agreement, the first between CLACSO and a sports club on the continent, aims to be the starting point for building new institutional bridges between the scientific field and the world of football.

When describing the underlying reasons for the initiative, Karina Batthyány emphasized “the importance of expanding the study to other fields of social sciences, something our Council has been working on within the framework of the Working Group on Sport, Culture, and Society.” She then elaborated: “It is worth noting that this agreement on a topic as traditionally male-dominated as football, and which undoubtedly has relevance in social life, incorporates a gender perspective. Furthermore, it proposes to develop actions in the field of women's football, not only as a professional activity but also as a space for participation, leisure, and recreation.”

Victor Blanco Rodriguez added that “being pioneers in this is also a source of pride for us and demonstrates Racing's commitment to society.”

The representatives of the two institutions quickly agreed on an important point to stimulate knowledge: there will be a discount for each member of the club who wants to participate in the virtual training opportunities – seminars, diplomas and specializations – offered by CLACSO.

The starting point will have two protagonists: on behalf of CLACSO, the Working Group “Sport, culture and society”; and, on behalf of Racing, the Women's Football Department.

The seminars and workshops for the First Division squad will be the starting point for future projects . “We will work with both research questions and concerns raised by the players,” noted Verónica Moreira and Rodrigo Soto Lagos, coordinators of the CLACSO Working Group. “Our goal is to develop not only high-quality footballers but also individuals capable of facing the challenges of an increasingly complex world. That is why we celebrate the beginning of this series of joint activities,” added Daniel García, a member of Racing's board of directors and the director in charge of women's football.

Details of the launch of the agreement and of future initiatives will be published on the websites of both institutions (www.clacso.org and www.racingclub.com.ar).