The PUMA Welcome Academy event took place this Thursday and brought together more than 500 people at the Ciudad Deportiva. The 200-plus players who make up the 15 men's and women's 8-a-side teams and their families were joined by players from the VCF Academy and the first team -Jaume Domènech, Thierry, Marta Carro and María Molina- the club ambassadors and Valencia CF president Layhoon Chan.

A Fan Zone and games for parents to play alongside their children, a Q&A session and the chance to take to the pitch alongside their peers were all in store for the attendees. More than 50 parents participated in the matches, as well as some of the VCF Academy players such as Martín Tejón, Isma Santa, César Tárrega and Luna Ibáñez, Raquel Gil and Gemma Pastor, under the watchful eye of club ambassadors Miguel Tendillo and Miguel Ángel Bossio.

The Director of the VCF Academy, Luis Martínez, together with the 8-a-side football coordinator, Carlos Martínez, Identity Department head, Jordi Hidalgo, and the head of the Psycho-Education Department, Joaquín Sorribas, spoke to those present.

As a practical application of the club's values, a representation of the players read the Decalogue against Discrimination that Valencia CF have launched this season within the VCF World program, a new project to raise awareness against racism and prevent, educate and act against any type of abuse and discrimination.

The presence of the Valencia CF players Jaume Domènech and Thierry Correia, as well as VCF Femenino players Marta Carro and María Molina, caused much excitement amongst the children.

“Wearing the ValenciaCF shirt is very important and I want to encourage you to continue working to fulfill your dreams,” said Jaume, who thanked the players for their warm reception.

Marta Carro added that “Being footballers is the best thing that can happen to you in life. Enjoy it, work hard and wake up with a smile at the thought that you have the Valencia CF badge on your chest,” she highlighted.