With the University of Miami Fieldhouse serving as the venue, Colombian superstar singer Shakira unveiled a plan on August 1 to create the Soccer for Youth Development and Healthy Living project, a joint initiative of her nonprofit, Pies Descalzos (Barefoot Foundation), and the charitable arm of FC Barcelona soccer club that will benefit more than 28,000 at-risk children in the United States, including Hispanic youngsters living in Miami. One of the initiative’s goals is to convert the North Pointe YMCA Family Center at 6881 NW 179th Street into a sports facility. During the press conference, Shakira spoke about the importance of sports and education in children’s lives and the alliance between her nonprofit and the FC Barcelona Foundation. She also interacted with children and FC Barcelona players, who participated in soccer drills outside the UM Fieldhouse with the youngsters.

Above: Shakira announces details of the plan along with FC Barcelona soccer stars, from left, Carles Puyol, Gerard Pique (Shakira’s boyfriend), and Sergio Busquets.