Luksic Foundation opens applications for Sports Schools 2026

Only one in four children in Chile considers themselves physically active, and 47% live in neighborhoods with critical levels of violence, realities that directly impact their well-being and development. Given this scenario, the Luksic Foundation Sports Schools seek to be safe spaces for play, learning, and gathering, where movement and physical activity are combined with the strengthening of socio-emotional skills for life.

Through the workshops, children acquire skills that enable them to better identify and manage their emotions, develop care and concern for others, establish positive relationships, and deal effectively with complex situations.

Since 2019, the program has supported more than 3,000 children and adolescents in communities in the Región Metropolitana and Antofagasta, seeking to improve their well-being and provide them with life skills. The program currently has five field hockeysticks schools in Antofagasta, Peñalolén, La Florida, Estación Central, and Independencia; and 13 soccer schools in Antofagasta, El Bosque, Estación Central, Independencia, La Florida, La Pintana, Lo Prado, Peñalolén, Puente Alto, and Renca. Those selected will be able to attend free training sessions twice a week, as well as receiving full equipment: uniforms and sports implements for participants.

The schools—which are gender-mixed and cater to children between the ages of 7 and 13—take a non-competitive approach, with activities designed to make all participants feel safe, motivated, and valued. Teachers receive specific training to work on skills such as self-regulation, frustration tolerance, and conflict resolution, teaching how to win and lose without fear, reinforcing confidence and teamwork.

Those selected will be able to attend free training sessions twice a week, in addition to receiving all the necessary equipment: uniforms and sports gear for participants.

“Today we know that sport can be much more than just physical activity. It is a gateway for young people to learn to recognize and manage their emotions and interact positively with others. This learning has an impact that goes far beyond the playing field: it can improve their school performance and shape their life trajectory,” says Rosario Donoso, Director of Sports at the Luksic Foundation.

According to data collected by the program, 35% of parents say that their children find it very difficult to stay calm when they are stressed, and 27% report difficulties in controlling their emotions when they are upset. This is why Sports Schools also consider families to be key players, incorporating Positive Parenting workshops for caregivers, with the aim of providing them with parenting strategies and, in this way, reinforcing at home what is being worked on in each sports workshop.

Daniel Cancino, parent of a child from La Florida soccer school, explains that what he values most “is the spirit that exists there.” He says that his son Cristóbal “has learned about teamwork, managing his emotions, and understanding that winning and losing are part of the game. It doesn’t matter if they win the championship: the important thing is to support each other, show solidarity, and put yourself in the other person’s shoes.”

Daniel Cancino, parent of a child from La Florida soccer school, explains that what he values most “is the spirit that exists there.” He says that his son Cristóbal “has learned about teamwork, managing his emotions, and understanding that winning and losing are part of the game. It doesn’t matter if they win the championship: the important thing is to support each other, show solidarity, and put yourself in the other person’s shoes.”

How to apply?

The registration process will take place throughout February and must be completed by the parent or guardian responsible for the child using the online form available at fundacionluksic.cl. Places are limited, and once registration has been confirmed by the Foundation team, those selected will be informed of the training days and times, which will always take place after school hours.

All information about schools and related activities will be posted on the official website of the Luksic Foundation.