La Massana Futsal Player Launches Petition for Affordable Public Sports Centre

Brayan Pinto, a futsal player from La Massana, has launched an online petition on Change.org calling for a public community sports centre in the parish. The initiative, which has gathered 150 signatures so far, highlights the lack of affordable fitness options for locals amid the dominance of the private Anyós Park complex.

Pinto argues that Massana residents have few alternatives. The Ordino communal centre, the nearest public facility, operates a long waiting list prioritising its own parishioners. "The rest of the parishes do have this option, with accessible prices," he said. Having subscribed to Anyós Park for several years, Pinto cancelled his membership after taking on a mortgage. The facility's cheapest annual fee now stands at 1,070 euros—around 90 euros monthly—making it unaffordable for many, especially as living costs in Andorra rise.

Daily life complicates access further. Pinto, who lives in La Massana and works in Andorra la Vella, must return home after work to walk his dog before considering exercise, often requiring another trip down the valley. A friend from Arinsal drives to Ordino each morning before commuting to work. Children in Massana travel to the Escola Andorrana for swimming, where the small pool struggles to accommodate classes.

Pinto acknowledges the challenges of building a new centre, including finding central land, construction costs and expensive equipment. He recalls a failed past effort in L'Aldosa, stressing the need for a central location accessible to children and the elderly. While aware of Anyós Park's reported influence in the comuna—"vox populi," he calls it—Pinto believes a public facility would target different users, focusing on affordability rather than exclusivity.

The petition gained 140 signatures in its first two days through limited WhatsApp sharing. Pinto plans to present it to authorities with 300-500 signatures, possibly during election season, and seeks at least an explanation if the project proves unfeasible. "Physical activity is very important for health," he said, noting that many locals support the idea. No response has come from the Massana comuna yet.