The UAS Moves project highlights active Haagahelians, i.e. people and teams who have made movement a part of their everyday life or have boldly tried something new. The purpose is to encourage actions that promote excellent learning, bring energy to the study and working day and strengthen working together.
Educational Specialist Milton Aldrete is the founder of Haaga-Helia's futsal sessions.
– I have played football all my life. When I noticed that Haaga Helia staff already have access to activities such as floorball and yoga, I began to wonder whether there might also be interest in futsal. I first spoke with a few colleagues to see if they would be interested, then contacted Jenni Most to ask about the availability of facilities.
After that, I shared an announcement on the intranet inviting people to join the futsal sessions and contact me. Once there was enough interest, I created a WhatsApp group, which we now use to coordinate participation. The sessions started in January this year and take place almost weekly. At the moment, we have around 12 regular players, and we are always happy to welcome new participants.
– I have had the opportunity to get to know new colleagues from other departments at Haaga-Helia whom I would not have encountered otherwise. Although, we occasionally discuss work-related topics, the futsal sessions are mainly a relax environment to connect.
I have lived in Finland for 23 years, and one of the key factors that has helped me integrate well into society has been meeting people and forming friendships through football. I feel that the same has happened again through this futsal experience at Haaga-Helia.
– It helps to build relationships, which is especially valuable in larger workplaces like Haaga-Helia. It creates a completely different atmosphere. Of course, it is beneficial for health, but it offers much more than that; it strengthens a sense of community. It is great that we have the facilities to make this possible.
– Perhaps people lack the time and energy to organize this outside of work duties as it requires a considerable amount of organizing and coordination. At the moment, it is all voluntary work, although it could be something more structured.
– I would love to see trial days organized once or twice a year where staff could try different physical activities. This would give people the opportunity to explore various sports and realize that they are not necessarily high intensity, but rather activities that everyone can take part in.
The UAS Moves project promotes an operating culture in which movement supports learning, well-being and a sense of community. Read more about the project and Haaga-Helia's activity etiquette and movement-centred learning.
