We partnered with a few different organizations to throw a big party in a local park for the community in Bahia de Banderas. This is a barrio in Puerto Vallarta. The party was about three hours long and of course, we partnered with the chiropractors. There were also eye exams and eyeglass fittings for both adults and children. A barber even came out to provide hair cuts. Along with the soccer drills, there was even music. Singing and dancing ensued, making it a can’t miss event. What would a fiesta be without music!

The thumping beat of the reggaeton kept the rhythm alive. I enlisted the help of two young boys, nearly seven years old. They had just met that day in the park, but quickly took a liking to each other. They graciously carried the equipment, more than 30 soccer balls, to the turf field behind the stage. They were so excited to help with a task that most players dislike.

We were in the middle of the park, which gave us plenty of space. My two helpers laid down some grids and carefully placed soccer balls on top of each cone for the first drill. 

The kids would come in and out – always returning with a new, special treat. Everything from balloon animals to face paint. One boy joked, “Please don’t call me by my name, Leandro, anymore… you can call me ‘Gato’”, flashing a big smile under the painted whiskers on his face. His friend came back with a surprise too. His face had been done to resemble Sonic the Hedgehog! 

We ran through some other drills and games before starting a scrimmage: first team to five goals wins. Before each child got their choice of a new soccer ball, I asked them about the session. “Did anyone learn anything?” One of the older girls raised her hand – “I learned how to play together with my team,” she answered. Play together. That is one of our key goals when we run programs in the community. To hear this response from a young athlete made my day, if not my entire time as a volunteer. 

“I liked mano o cabeza because I had to focus on using my arms and my head,” one added. Then, a young girl, Sophia came up to me after the session wrapped up and I was nearly fully packed up, “Are we learning soccer here?” she asked timidly. I responded yes, we were, but I have time don’t worry. 

We did some very quick ball control drills and footwork with another boy who had arrived late. I told her I had a gift as I did for the boy – a new soccer ball. She smiled through her face paint and ran off.

Then, minutes later, she came running back – do you have any more lessons? I told her I had a few more tricks to which I taught her how to do a neck stall, another crowd favorite. It was awesome.

She continued to practice it even for 30 minutes after we were done. Walking and spinning around, but always smiling. Sometimes placing the ball on her neck herself. Other times asking for my help as she mimicked my form from earlier. As we packed up into our van I still saw her working, still brandishing that same beaming smile of accomplishment.