Mexico City, Mexico
One week after I returned to the United States from Mexico City, I received an email. It was from the organization I just worked with Proyecto Cantera asking if I would be interested in working with a group of teenage boys and an organization called CAFEMIN, which is a safe haven for refugee children and migrant families.
“Of course!” I enthusiastically replied, “I can be there as early as next week.” The organization was amazed that we could do the program in-person, as they originally thought it would have to be virtual. I began packing my bags for Mexico City once again and Around the Worlds was back to our regularly scheduled international programming.
I arrived to la ciudad late in the afternoon, tired from a long day’s journey, but energized to meet new kids and provide them an escape from the hardships they face. During the program, I was assisted by a team psychologist from Proyecto Cantera and another staff member from CAFEMIN.
As the kids arrived, they were eager to offer a helping hand to set up equipment and drills. We all introduced ourselves and got to know each other a bit before starting. Many of the beneficiaries had roots in Guatemala, so we exchanged stories about the country.
During the program, we ran through the typical ball control and technique drills like volleys, half volleys, headers and first touch. Then, we moved into a scrimmage with two captains choosing their teams. I love watching the scrimmage because the kids get so into it! They are able to take their soccer skills and show them off, while being captains and leaders. This accomplishes two Around the Worlds goals: bringing kids the game of soccer and teaching them to be outstanding community members.
After the game, we gave each participant a ball and camp tee-shirt, but the most special moment was yet to come. In my home state, Connecticut, there is a USL Championship team called the Hartford Athletic, who I knew would be a great partner for us. Thanks to their communications team we were able to get an awesome video from Hartford Athletic starting forward Ever “Cheno” Guzman. The star player won the youth World Cup with the Mexico U-17 team. In the video, he stressed the importance of keeping a ball inside their homes at all times, practicing and mastering foot skills to be better.
The kids were entranced by this video. I hope that small connections like this can inspire kids not only in Mexico, but around the world. Without small interactions like this, kids may never be exposed to players of Cheno’s caliber or professional athletes in general. Nothing is impossible as long as you play, learn and dream!
