Abstract

The Spanish Civil War (1936-1939) was a harsh blow for Spain at the economic, political and social levels. The tense situation of uncertainty looming over Spain caused the practice of sports activities to wither. These activities suffered greatly from the fratricidal conflict as it destroyed the semi-organised experience that had been an escape route for Spaniards. The 1940s and the Francoist regime meant a reorganisation of Spanish society where every movement was controlled and observed. It was at this time when the “Frente de Juventudes” and “Sección Femenina” organisations for boys and girls respectively were founded. They trained and indoctrinated children in the regime’s ideals. At that time sports activities came back to being an important part in Spanish people’s lives as they were one of the ways of training and increasing interest used by youth groups.