ABOUT
Marc Larripa serves as the driving force behind AE Ramassà’s Social and International Cooperation Area. As Director, he coordinates and oversees initiatives that use football as a tool for inclusion, focusing especially on vulnerable populations such as asylum-seekers and refugees. His leadership is centered on building a more equitable football environment, both locally and globally.
Role in Women’s Football
Marc leads AE Ramassà’s flagship initiative: the Inclusive Women’s Football Project for Asylum Seekers and Refugees. This groundbreaking program provides refugee and asylum-seeking women with access to football training while also supporting their broader integration into society. Through this project, participants receive not only athletic development but also educational resources, job placement support, and opportunities for cultural engagement—making it a holistic pathway toward empowerment and inclusion.
Educational Background & Career Path
Marc holds a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration and a Master's in International Relations and International Cooperation Project Management. His journey in football started early—as a player at age 7—and evolved into a career of purpose. He has been a key figure in AE Ramassà’s transformation from a traditional football club into a recognized NGO, leveraging sport as a platform for social change. Starting as a player and later taking on leadership roles, Marc embodies the idea that football can serve both community and justice.
Motivation & Inspiration
Marc’s interest in women’s football grew organically from AE Ramassà’s social mission. Promoting gender equity in sport became a personal goal as he recognized the structural barriers women face in the football ecosystem. A pivotal moment was meeting and collaborating with world-class footballer Aitana Bonmatí, whose support and involvement inspired further commitment to the cause. For Marc, football is not just about competition—it’s about creating equal opportunities for everyone, regardless of gender or origin.
Achievements & Recognition
Over the last four seasons, Marc and AE Ramassà have built a women’s team composed of 30 asylum seekers and refugee women living in Barcelona. These women have not only found community and empowerment through sport but also gained access to training, jobs, and participation in civic and cultural events. In recognition of this transformative work, AE Ramassà received the Catalan Sports Award from the Catalan Football Federation—highlighting their leadership in inclusive football and community impact.
Challenges & Resilience
Building this project has not been without obstacles. One of the most pressing issues has been the lack of funding dedicated to gender- and refugee-focused sports initiatives. Additionally, accessing sports facilities and providing role models for participants posed early hurdles. Through persistence, relationship-building, and strategic alliances, Marc and his team have overcome these limitations and continue to push for more inclusive policies and resources within the sport.
Values & Advice for Future Leaders
Marc is deeply passionate about the values driving women’s football: collaboration, energy, and purpose. What he appreciates most is the sector’s openness to innovation and its potential to create real-world change. His advice to those entering the field is: "Propose, connect, and create new ties—you will always find people willing to help if your cause is just." For Marc, success in football means bringing people together to co-create solutions and expand opportunities.
Vision for the Future
Marc sees a bright future for women’s football, one marked by growing professionalization, wider global reach, and a strong commitment to equality. He envisions a sport where women are not only present but leading—on the field, in leadership, and in innovation. He also believes that the women’s game will be a crucial space for environmental and social impact initiatives in the years to come.
Sustainability & Innovation
Marc advocates for sustainability as a core pillar of football’s future. He supports initiatives such as Green Sponsorships, circular economy strategies (e.g., reusing equipment), and educational programs that empower women to lead on environmental issues. He sees football as a high-impact space that can model sustainability to younger generations and communities worldwide.
Beyond the Pitch
Outside of football, Marc enjoys travel and cultural exchange, which he considers essential to his worldview and professional vision. These interests fuel his dedication to global cooperation and grassroots impact.
Awards & Recognition
Marc’s work has been formally recognized with the Catalan Sports Award, celebrating AE Ramassà’s inclusive women’s football program and its positive effect on marginalized communities. For Marc, the award affirms that sport can—and should—be a vehicle for dignity, opportunity, and change.
“Football is more than a game. It's a global language that can build bridges, uplift lives, and inspire systemic transformation.”
— Marc Larripa
