Atlético Madrid To Form Youth Projects In Cuba

Atlético Madrid "wants to strengthen its presence in Cuba," according to the EFE. Club CEO Miguel Ángel Gil Marín traveled to the country to establish youth football projects through Atlético's int'l academy. Gil Marín said, "We did not come for tourism or to take a photo or look for money. We want to carry out a true social project with a sports component." Atlético's CEO met with Cuban FA President Luis Hernández in the first meeting between the Spanish club, whose academy manages projects in 33 countries, and Cuba's football execs. The sport has not been professionalized on the island "but is gaining fans and, little by little, displacing baseball as Cubans' favorite sport, especially among young people." Atlético and the Cuban FA discussed "diverse possibilities, from holding camps and clinics in Cuba to developing talent" (EFE, 10/3).