Tenerife Prison Futsal Team Wins League Title in Rehabilitation Success Story

The Tenerife II Penitentiary Center has become a powerful example of how sport can drive social change. The "El Rosario – Proyecto Ganar" team, made up entirely of inmates, recently won the league title in the island’s Preferente futsal division. This achievement highlights how physical discipline can help individuals develop essential social skills and emotional control, proving the effectiveness of sports-based reintegration programs.

The project is unique because all matches take place inside the prison. This requires visiting teams to pass through security protocols to play, which helps demystify prison life and creates a sense of normalcy on the court. According to the center’s sports coordinators, Fernando Pérez and David González Reyes, the competition has been a vital tool for teaching respect and how to manage frustration, with these values becoming far more important than the final score.

Launched two years ago by the Canary Islands government, the "Proyecto Ganar" initiative has faced significant challenges. The team’s roster changes frequently as inmates are transferred or released, yet the group has maintained impressive cohesion. They finished the season as the league’s highest-scoring team, with player N.G.A. earning the title of top scorer. By allowing inmates with technical training to help manage the team, the program has successfully channeled the tensions of prison life into a productive outlet.

Sociologically, this success goes beyond just a game. The players’ exemplary behavior and the lack of disciplinary issues throughout the season suggest that structured sports are a highly effective way to support rehabilitation. For the inmates, daily training provides a sense of purpose and a vital routine. The initiative has also fostered a sense of community, with other inmates—including a group of women who regularly cheer for the team—participating in the effort. Ultimately, the program provides individuals with the tools they need to better navigate life once they return to society.