The Catalònia Hoquei Club, alongside its local players from Barcelona, has a diverse roster of athletes from around the world. Some of these athletes face the challenges of relocating to a new country. Adjusting to cultural differences and dealing with feelings of isolation are common hurdles for these players as they settle into a new environment.
According to the National Health Institute, the stress associated with this type of immigration can increase the risk of mental health issues. However, for two athletes at CHC Josefa Sanz and Fatima Abdul Mesih, joining the team provided a solution—a sense of belonging and a "home away from home."
Josefa grew up in Chile, a 13-hour plane ride from Barcelona, and shared that the toughest part of her transition was missing “her family, her club, her friends, her culture, and her customs.”
“That was the hardest part, I think—the distance from the people you love. And well, here in Catalonia, I was really helped in that sense because they helped me adapt. I felt very included from the very first moment, so I have a lot to be grateful for,” Josefa said.
For Fatima, who moved from Argentina, the distance was also challenging, but she found adjusting to cultural and language differences to be just as tough.
“Without a doubt, the biggest challenges when coming from a different country were the language, the customs regarding schedules, and the size of the city since I come from a very small one,” Fatima said.
However, joining the CHC helped her to navigate these changes. She found support not just from teammates, but also through practical connections for “work, places to visit in Barcelona, or places to rent an apartment.”
With a better understanding of the differences between the two countries, and the support of her team, Fatima has grown more confident in her new environment.
“The team helped me feel more included socially, being part of a human group made my attitude change, and I stopped feeling shy or fearful in my daily life,” Fatima said.
Beyond the familial support, the diverse backgrounds of the team members offer players like Josefa and Fatima an opportunity to connect with others who are going through similar experiences. Josefa believes that being surrounded by teammates from different parts of the world brings comfort and allows players to gain a deeper understanding of various cultures.
Both girls would recommend their experience to other athletes who may be considering moving, or those who may be facing the same challenges of adjusting to life in a new country already.
“Honestly, they won’t regret it because, as I’ve said, it’s a very family-oriented club that helps a lot with adapting,” Josefa said.
And while some may experience emotions of fear or insecurity when stepping out of their comfort zone and into a new environment, Fatima believes that “if you are open to learning and living new things, nothing can go wrong.”
The CHC is more than just a team—it's a family. When far from one's own, that sense of belonging can provide the greatest comfort.
“And above all, I want to highlight that I found friends within the team,” Fatima said. “And that’s also a huge help for mental health because they also became my family.”