Faetec student team travels to Buenos Aires to play the BA Cup, a major international amateur football tournament.
Public school team in international competition
A reference in technical education and professional training, the Faetec Foundation is ready to make history in football. Linked to the State Secretariat for Science, Technology and Innovation, the institution will take part in the BA Cup Argentina, one of the most important amateur football tournaments in the region.
The competition will be held from 7 to 13 December, in Buenos Aires. To represent the institution, the only public network school in the tournament, 20 students from different units were selected and have trained together since April. In this way, the group seeks to gain prominence on the pitch.
Project engages students and teachers
Physical education teacher Eduardo Nogueira, from the Marechal Hermes unit, leads the project. The staff worked hard to make the trip possible and secure the team’s spot in the international competition. Initially, they planned to play a tournament in the United States, but that was not possible.
When the BA Cup invitation arrived, the organizers presented the idea to president Alexandre Valle. They emphasized the importance of the exchange beyond the regular curriculum. As a result, the leadership quickly embraced the project and helped turn the students’ dream into reality.
Intensive routine and final squad
The Faetec selection will face eight opponents from countries such as Argentina, Chile and Ecuador, starting Tuesday, 9 December. For many players, who have never travelled abroad, this is a unique opportunity to show their skills. Moreover, they hope to attract the attention of coaches and scouts.
The selection process was highly competitive. According to the coach, more than 200 students from several units attended the trials. Then, the shortlisted players began training at UERJ during the week and in Quintino on weekends. Currently, the team trains twice a week.
The students balance an intense school routine with football practice. However, their dedication stands out as one of the group’s strengths. For the staff, this effort already represents an achievement, since it shows commitment to a dream shared by many young people.
Experienced staff supports the team
Coach Eduardo Nogueira works with an experienced technical staff. The team includes professors Fernando Ribeiro and Marcos Jorand, both from the Quintino unit, Marcelo Miragaya, from Ferreira Viana, and Marco Garritano, also from Quintino. Together, they define training plans and match strategies.
This network of professionals strengthens both sporting and personal development. In addition, the educational and athletic guidance aims to keep performance on the field aligned with school responsibilities. Thus, the project reinforces Faetec’s educational mission.
Dream on the pitch and life experience
The dream officially started on Monday, 8 December, when the team boarded a flight to Buenos Aires. The students carry the support of their families and the pride of representing the Faetec Network in an international tournament. For many of them, it is their first international trip.
Goalkeeper Arthur Pedro Pereira de Araújo is among the most excited players and will defend the team’s goal. He is finishing high school and sees the trip as a special opportunity. Furthermore, the tournament revives his ambition to pursue a professional football career, previously postponed to prioritize his studies.
Cultural exchange and new opportunities
Faetec president Alexandre Valle highlights the importance of this experience for youth development. When assessing the proposal, the institution considered the broader impact on the students. Therefore, it focused not only on football, but also on the cultural exchange involved.
The fact that Faetec is the only school in the championship adds value to the students’ journey. They will interact with young people from other countries and backgrounds, broadening their perspectives. According to the president, this is just the beginning of a new cycle for these students.
Beyond the matches in Buenos Aires
In the Argentine capital, the athletes will take part in activities beyond the matches. The schedule includes a seminar on football and health, aimed at deepening knowledge about physical conditioning and well-being. In this way, students combine practice and theory in their sports education.
The group will also visit the iconic Monumental and La Bombonera stadiums, two traditional stages of Argentine football. Thus, the trip unites competition, learning and cultural experiences. The journey promises to leave a lasting mark on the participants’ academic and personal paths.
