A significant change in school sports will be implemented next academic year, marking a return to initial principles. The Provincial Council of Álava has updated its legislation, in line with the Basque Sports Law. Consequently, children entering 1st grade of Primary Education next year who wish to play football or basketball must do so at their own school, or, failing that, provide proof that these sports are not offered at their center.
“"Sports clubs and associations wishing to register athletes born in 2020 for football and basketball must present a document from the school certifying that the sport is not offered at the school."
This measure will exclusively affect those starting 1st grade of Primary Education next year. The new regulation also stipulates that, at this level, only one single-sport training session per week will be allowed, in addition to the corresponding matches. The aim is to minimize early specialization and high-intensity training.
The main objective of this initiative is to ensure that school sports at the earliest ages adhere to the multi-sport principle of the program. This means the school is the primary structure, early specialization and high-intensity training are reduced, and reconciliation with formal education, play, leisure, and family life is facilitated. It is important to emphasize that this regulation applies only to 1st-grade Primary Education students.
Currently, football and basketball remain the most popular sports among schoolchildren. Other team sports, such as handball or volleyball, are almost anecdotal, and their practice in Vitoria-Gasteiz at early ages is challenging due to limited offerings. Although the new regulation seeks to strengthen the role of schools, clubs have gained significant influence in school sports over the past 20 years.
