LaLiga, Cervantes collaborate to teach Spanish through soccer in India

New Delhi, Feb 25 (efe-epa).- Soccer fans in India will be able to sing anthems, learn about legendary players and the jargon of the best clubs in Spain through a collaborative project between LaLiga and Instituto Cervantes in New Delhi to boost the popularity of the sport and Spanish language and culture in the country.

LaLiga and Instituto Cervantes in New Delhi announced in a program Thursday that starting Feb.27, every Saturday soccer fans will be able to access videos with the material for learning through their respective Facebook pages.

This initiative offers Indian fans “the best of both worlds. This activity will bring the Spanish language and LaLiga enthusiasts closer together and make seeing Spanish football more interesting and easier to identify,” said Instituto Cervantes Director in New Delhi, Oscar Pujol, according to a statement.

For eight weeks, the dive into Spanish soccer culture will be guided by three Spanish coaches with experience in Indian football – Sergio Lobera of Mumbai City FC; Carles Quadrat, former coach of Bengaluru FC; and Oscar Bruzon of the Bashundhara Kings of Bangladesh and former coach of the India’s Sporting Clube de Goa.

“We are delighted that some of the most esteemed Spanish football coaches in India are collaborating with LaLiga and Instituto Cervantes to help spread the Spanish language, culture and style of football,” said LaLiga representative in India, Jose Antonio Cachaza.

The coaches, along with teachers from the Instituto Cervantes, will guide participants through knowledge-sharing sessions in Spanish that will be divided into three sections: legendary phrases, club anthems, and football jargon.

The course will allow fans to be able to sing anthems and understand the significance of some clubs such as FC Barcelona, Real Madrid, Atletico de Madrid, Sevilla FC and Granada FC, among others, according to the organization.

Participants will also learn some famous quotes from legends such as Leo Messi, Andres Iniesta, Luis Enrique and Pep Guardiola, while also being able to watch their favorite stars live.

At the end of each video, participants can scan a QR code that will give them a chance to win an all-inclusive trip for two to Spain to watch a LaLiga match. Other prizes include official jerseys and other club items. EFE-EPA

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