From September 24 to 27, 2026, Futsal took center stage at Festival Esportivo do Subúrbio Ferroviário, in a special edition celebrating the event’s 10th anniversary. Over four days, children and teenagers from different age categories took to the court to participate in games filled with energy, dedication, and sportsmanship. The program also featured cultural performances, a discussion with special guests, and live music, creating more opportunities for interaction and connection among athletes, families, and the community.
The event opened on Thursday, September 24, with a dance performance that brought rhythm and movement to the start of the program. Next, the Infanto Sub-16 category took to the court, kicking off the Futsal games and marking the first day of a series of activities at Centro Educativo João Paulo II.
On Friday, September 25, the Mirim Sub-12 category continued the program. The young athletes took part in another day of games, gaining experiences that contribute to their athletic development, teamwork, and the building of relationships through sports.
Saturday, September 26, brought an even wider range of activities. The Sub-10 and Sub-14 categories filled the courts with games, while a capoeira performance brought culture, rhythm, and body expression to the Festival. The program reinforced the event’s role as a space that goes beyond games, bringing together different cultural expressions and experiences for the audience.
In addition to the sports and cultural activities, Saturday featured a special discussion on the theme “Sports, Sports Initiation, Talent Development, and the Individual and Collective Benefits of Sports.” The meeting brought together four guests with different backgrounds, who shared their experiences and perspectives on the world of sports.
The discussion featured Marcelo Góis, a sports journalist and radio broadcaster; Paulo Isidoro, a former football player, coach, and sports commentator; Emerson Ferretti, a former goalkeeper, sports manager, and current president of Esporte Clube Bahia; and Ronaldo da Silva Santos, a wheelchair basketball athlete and former member of the Brazilian Under-23 National Team.
Their diverse experiences brought different perspectives to the discussion on sports initiation, the challenges athletes face throughout their careers, talent development, and the opportunities sports can provide. It was also an inspiring moment for the young participants, who had the opportunity to hear stories from people who have experienced sports in different contexts and learn about possible paths both on and off the court.
Also on Saturday, the band Samba União brought plenty of music to the Festival, gathering the audience for a moment of celebration and relaxation. The performance made the day even more special, bringing sports and culture together as part of the event’s 10th-anniversary celebrations.
On Sunday, September 27, Futsal reached its final day with the finals of the Sub-16 and Sub-18 categories. The matches brought the program to a close, gathering athletes and spectators for another moment of participation, dedication, and celebration of sports.
Throughout the four days, Futsal highlighted the importance of Festival Esportivo do Subúrbio Ferroviário as a meeting place for athletes, teachers, families, institutions, and communities. The different age categories, cultural activities, and opportunities for exchange reinforced the value of initiatives that expand participation and recognize sports as an important part of children’s and teenagers’ development.
Celebrating the Festival’s 10th anniversary means recognizing a journey built collectively, bringing people together, strengthening relationships, and creating opportunities for new generations. With every edition, Centro Educativo João Paulo II reaffirms its commitment to experiences that bring sports, education, culture, and social interaction together, making the Festival a place to learn, share, and create new stories.
