Unforgettable Final Phase of LaLiga Genuine

The outcome of the LaLiga Genuine 2021/22 season, hosted by Athletic Club, turns Lezama Training Center into a party in which the Fundazioa team shines with its own light.

LaLiga Genuine is an integrating initiative of social responsibility, which Spanish LaLiga develops through its Foundation, consisting of the creation of a League made up of teams from the ID collective (people with intellectual disabilities), and which began in the 2017/2018 season. The main objective is the normalisation of the practise of football in a group of people with intellectual disabilities.

Athletic Club and its Foundation faced a huge challenge this weekend: to host the Final Phase of the 2021/22 LaLiga Genuine season. Between Saturday and Sunday, 63 matches were to be played by 42 clubs on the fields of Lezama, in an event that brought together thousands of people, including footballers, coaches, staff, and fans. The event has been a success and both LaLiga and the participating clubs have left Bilbao with a big smile on their faces.

But, without a doubt, the real architects of everything going so well were the LaLiga Genuine players themselves and, of all of them, the red and white lions and lionesses, including coaches, and their wonderful supporters, led by the Peña Genuine, deserve a special mention. From the stands to the pitch and from the pitch to the stands, the sense of belonging to the same Club and the same Foundation has shone brightly.

Fourth consecutive Fair Play and farewell to Esteban Feijoo

The whole weekend was full of special and emotional moments. The welcome given to the teams on their arrival at Lezama was the best preamble to the party in the stands. The brotherhood between the different clubs and supporters translated into a multitude of hugs, jumps, cheers, applause and welcoming corridors. The goal celebrations were improvised birthday parties. The dinner at San Mamés, with DJ included, became the perfect party in a unique setting. The visits of Carles Puyol, Iraia Iturregi, the actor Jesús Vidal and Andoni Goikoetxea gave a special relevance to the event… But above all, two milestones stood out for the emotion they transmitted.

On the one hand, the Athletic Club Fundazioa coach, Esteban Feijoo, received the recognition and affection of all those present, including a gift of a dedicated picture, where the word Legend was written. On the other hand, the fourth Fair Play trophy was won. Athletic Club Fundazioa leading, for yet another year, the sportsmanship ranking. The joy of the footballers receiving the award is only comparable to the pride of the families seeing their sons and daughters representing the values of Athletic Club with such ability.

Athletic Genuine spreads its happiness in Lezama on the first day of the LaLiga Genuine Final Phase

The 42 LaLiga Genuine clubs, all together for the first time this season, gathered at the Athletic Club’s sports city to play the LaLiga Final Phase. Music, flags, mascots, drums, and scarves filled the stands and the surrounding areas of the different pitches with colour. The twinned fans cheered on the footballers in the same way that in the Basque Country they cheer on the cyclists, with little distinction and with marvellous sportsmanship.

Among the large crowd that came to Lezama, the presence of the coach of the women’s first team, Iraia Iturregi, and One Club Man Carles Puyol stood out. Both players greeted the red and white players and Iraia joined the stands as one of the fans.

After the first match, the party continued in the Lezama cider house, where most of the fans had lunch. Bilbainadas, dances, cadenetas and a pilgrimage atmosphere until mid-afternoon, when the team played their second match against Burgos CF.

Peñas Association award and dinner at San Mamés

Athletic Club Fundazioa has rounded off the day with two very emotional events. The first was held in Barakaldo, on the occasion of the Peñista Eguna. The Supporters’ Club Association presented a special award to the Genuine team. The uninvited players travelled from Lezama to Beurko where they were met by numerous Zurich fans and prominent representatives of the Club, such as members of the management committee Aitor Elizegi and Goyo Arbizu, Andoni Goikoetxea and Manolo Delgado, among others.

The day was rounded off with a dinner in the BAT ring at San Mamés. Hundreds of footballers from the 42 LaLiga Genuine clubs spread out all over the ring, having a great time as they dined, danced and strengthened bonds of camaraderie and friendship. It was the perfect end to a memorable day.