Barcelona Beyond Borders: How Kenitra's Innovative Penya Connects Morocco to Camp Nou
Penya Barcelonista de Kenitra has emerged as a beacon of community service and innovation in FC Barcelona's global supporters network, building bridges across continents while maintaining deep charitable roots in Morocco's football heartland.
In a world where football fandom increasingly transcends borders, Penya Barcelonista de Kenitra stands as a remarkable testament to how local passion can spark global connection. This Moroccan supporters' club has carved out a unique identity within FC Barcelona's vast network of 1,265+ official Penyes worldwide, simultaneously building bridges for the three million Moroccans living abroad while pioneering charitable initiatives that embody the true spirit of "Més que un club."
A decade of charitable excellence (2014-2025)
Within FC Barcelona's sophisticated global network of 170,000+ registered supporters across 30 territorial federations, Penya Barcelonista de Kenitra has distinguished itself through unwavering commitment to community service. For over a decade, the Kenitra penya has consistently pioneered charitable initiatives that extend Barcelona's "Més que un club" philosophy throughout Morocco and beyond.
Since 2014, their charitable work has encompassed a wide range of community support programs, from supporting homeless populations during Morocco's harsh winter months to providing essential assistance during Ramadan. Their approach combines the global reach of Barcelona's values with deep understanding of local Moroccan communities, creating sustainable impact that transcends football.
Community impact through challenging times
Despite the global disruption caused by COVID-19, which forced the suspension of all Penyes activities in March 2020, Penya Barcelonista de Kenitra maintained their commitment to charitable work. President Amine M'hachi reflects on this resilience: "The Penyes scene after Covid was a little bit off as people went by their lives, but it didn't stop us from doing charity work and help homeless people during the cold times and the people in need during Ramadan."
This dedication to community service mirrors the broader Penyes response to the pandemic, where clubs worldwide contributed to food banks, blood drives, and hospitals. The Kenitra club's focus on homeless support during Morocco's winter months (Opération Froid) and Ramadan assistance (Ramadan Al Khayr) demonstrates the "Més que un club" philosophy in action, extending Barcelona's values of solidarity and community engagement far beyond the football pitch.
Their headquarters at Café Camp Nou in Kenitra serves as more than just a gathering space—it's a community hub where the global Barcelona family converges locally. This physical presence, combined with their digital innovation, creates a hybrid model that proved invaluable during pandemic restrictions and continues to serve the worldwide Kenitra community.
Style meets substance with SM3 innovation
The penya's distinctive identity extends beyond digital innovation to fashion, thanks to their collaboration with SM3, the design company led by board member Ismail El Idrissi. This Casablanca-based designer specializes in sportswear and graphic design, creating unique jerseys and apparel that give fans "an experience that is out of the ordinary."
SM3's focus on "sports passion and design" has helped Penya Barcelonista de Kenitra develop a visual identity that sets them apart from other supporters' clubs. In a network where many Penyes rely on standard Barcelona merchandise, Kenitra's custom clothing line represents another form of innovation—one that strengthens community bonds while creating distinctive visibility for the club.
Connecting Morocco's global diaspora
Perhaps most significantly, Penya Barcelonista de Kenitra serves as a vital link for Morocco's massive diaspora community. With an estimated three million Moroccans living abroad—primarily in France (1.1 million), Spain (766,000), Italy (487,000), and across Western Europe—the penya's digital platforms and community events provide connection points for scattered families and friends.
This role becomes particularly meaningful within Morocco's Barcelona supporters' network, which includes at least six official Penyes across cities like Meknès, Rabat, Tetouan, and Laayoune. Through tournaments like the annual Meknès Trophy futsal competition, Kenitra maintains strong connections with fellow Moroccan supporters while extending their reach to the global community.
Leadership vision and community commitment
The current board, led by President Amine M'hachi and Vice President Khaldoun Sayed, along with Ismail and Anasse El Idrissi, Mahdi Bakhat, Anas Nejjar, and Adnane El Karkouri, represents a generation of Moroccan Barcelona supporters committed to community service above all else. Their leadership philosophy centers on using football passion as a vehicle for positive social impact.
Under M'hachi's presidency, the penya has maintained consistent charitable programming even during the most challenging periods. Their support for Joan Laporta during his recent presidential campaign reflected not just sporting allegiance, but alignment with Barcelona's broader commitment to social responsibility and community engagement.
M'hachi's perspective on recent challenges speaks to the penya's resilience: "The Penyes scene after Covid was a little bit off as people went by their lives, but it didn't stop us from doing charity work and help homeless people during the cold times and the people in need during Ramadan." This dedication exemplifies how true Barcelona supporters maintain their values regardless of external circumstances.
Building the future at Café Camp Nou
The establishment of Café Camp Nou in Kenitra as the penya's official headquarters represents a significant milestone in their community-building efforts. This permanent base provides not just a venue for watching matches, but a year-round hub for charitable activities, community meetings, and cultural events that strengthen the bonds between local supporters and the global Moroccan diaspora.
With this new foundation in place, the penya is preparing for an ambitious 2025-26 season. M'hachi's optimism extends beyond football: "Last season was amazing with us winning two trophees, 25/26 is our champions league hopefully, we believe in the team and in Lamine!" But more importantly, the permanent headquarters allows them to expand their charitable reach and provide consistent community programming regardless of the football calendar.
The café serves as a bridge between the digital connections they've fostered worldwide and the physical community they serve locally, embodying the perfect balance between global reach and local impact that defines the most successful Penyes.
Community service as the new tradition
Penya Barcelonista de Kenitra's story illustrates how football passion can serve as a powerful catalyst for social change within the global Barcelona community. Their decade-long commitment to charitable work, distinctive SM3 clothing collaboration, and unwavering community service during challenging times demonstrate that being "Més que un club" extends far beyond Barcelona's city limits.
Their model—combining innovative approaches like custom merchandise with traditional values of charity and community support—offers a blueprint for supporters' clubs worldwide. From their headquarters at Café Camp Nou, they've proven that the most meaningful football experiences happen when passionate fans channel their energy toward positive community impact.
As they prepare for the 2025-26 season, Penya Barcelonista de Kenitra stands as proof that true innovation in football fandom isn't just about new technologies or tactics—it's about finding creative ways to serve others while celebrating the beautiful game. In a world where football increasingly transcends borders, they've shown that the strongest connections are built through consistent acts of service, whether supporting the homeless during Kenitra's cold winters or connecting diaspora communities across continents. That's a victory that matters far beyond any trophy.