Real Avilés forward Santamaría has become a central figure for the youth players at the La Inmaculada school in Gijón, where he serves as a coach for the prebenjamín A squad. While he is currently recognized for his on-field performance with the Avilés first team, his weekly commitment to training children between the ages of 6 and 7 has established him as a prominent mentor within the school’s sports program, according to local reporting.
Transitioning from matchday to youth coaching
The relationship between the professional striker and the young players is described as significant, with the children consistently expressing a desire to emulate his development. When Santamaría leaves the professional pitch, he adopts the role of “Varo,” a coach focused on the fundamentals of the sport. His sessions include teaching the technical aspects of the game, such as ball control, passing accuracy, and shooting technique.
Recognition from the school’s athletic program
Javi Mata, the football coordinator at La Inmaculada, identified the striker as a model for the students. Mata stated that the player is an example for everyone at the school, particularly for those just beginning their journey in football. The school views his ongoing professional career as a benchmark for young athletes who are learning the sport at the facility.
Santamaría connects professional play with youth football
Santamaría has emerged as one of the notable names during the current season for Real Avilés. The player’s dual commitment serves as a practical connection between competitive professional play and the early development stages of youth football at the school.
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