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#185 Pelada: naked football environments

Progressão

Progressão
#185 Pelada: naked football environments
Mar 31, 2026
Jani Sarajärvi & Jussi-Pekka Savolainen

In this episode of the Progressão podcast, we continue our exploration of learning environments by turning to something simple, yet powerful: pelada.

Pelada is informal football that is played in streets, beaches, backyards, wherever space allows. The word itself means “naked”, and that captures something essential. These are environments without structure, without coaches, without predefined systems. And yes, full of life.

We explore what makes these environments so rich for becoming skilful.

From variable surfaces and changing teams to improvised rules and shared responsibility, pelada offers a different kind of learning. It's the one where players adapt, explore, and grow within the game itself.

We also connect this to wider football culture, looking at how environments shape creativity, decision-making, and the way players relate to the game.

Let's play!

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