“I joined the club three years ago, through AEIST [Técnico Students’ union] recruitment. However, it was off the field that I truly felt the difference: by coaching children, participating in social projects, and witnessing the community come together around Técnico. That’s what stands out the most for me”. These are the words of Tomás Martins, a master’s student in Electrical and Computer Engineering at Técnico and a member of Técnico Football Club, summing up the spirit of this project as the new season begins. The club, founded by Técnico alumni, now brings together different generations through competition, training, and social engagement.
“It all started with a group of friends who met at Técnico”, shares João Santos, the president of Técnico Football Club (TFC), who also sums up the origin of a project that was born in 2017 from the desire to prolong the bonds created during university days.
“Football brought us together, but friendship was stronger than the game. The club was created to continue that connection and, since then, it has grown on several fronts”, shares João Santos.
Currently, there are three teams—senior, veterans, and university—all competing in different leagues and championships. The university team is the result of a partnership with the Técnico Students’ Union (AEIST) and represents the School in academic tournaments, while also competing in the Lisbon Football Association District Championship (which includes both alumni and current students). The senior team is preparing for its second participation in this competition after finishing 11th last season (and winning the INATEL Football League in 2023). The aim is to enhance the competitiveness of younger players during the critical stages of the university championships, in which Técnico has previously won regional and national titles.
The new season also marks the start of a project with social impact: Frame Football, developed in partnership with the Faculty of Human Kinetics, which will allow children with cerebral palsy to play football using adapted walkers. “Football is just the starting point. Our goal is to create conditions for these children to play and feel part of the game”, emphasises João Santos.
The training aspect goes hand in hand with this mission. Every week, children aged between 4 and 6 from APIST (Técnico Staff Association) nursery have introductory football sessions led by from the university team players. “It’s a way of transmitting values and team spirit from an early age and reinforcing the team spirit that we seek to cultivate”, he adds. At the same time, Técnico students offer free tutoring at the Areeiro Intergenerational Centre and organise community tournaments that bring the club closer to local associations.
“We created a connection, which I think is the club’s main goal: to bring all generations together. Friendships grew, both with people my age and with older people. And today, everyone is together”, shares the student and athlete Tomás Martins.
According to João Santos, this ability to bring together people of different ages and experiences is the cornerstone that ensures the project’s continuity: “We are here because we feel privileged to belong to Técnico. We want this project to continue from generation to generation”.
“We don’t want to be just another club, but a structure that reconciles academic life, sports, and social responsibility”, he adds.
The start of the new season was also marked by the presentation of a vehicle to support the club’s sporting and social activities. The vehicle, purchased with the support of Lisbon City Council and the Carclasse company, will serve the different teams and sports, but also the community projects promoted by the Técnico Football Club.
