After working with Los Niños de la Sierra, I worked with Los Niños del Capitán. Similarly to Los Niños de la Sierra, this group provides childcare to families that need support, supplying meals, learning services and time to play. Kids come to this organization to be kids, which is our founding principle as well.

In 2016, this organization partnered with us for the first time and I knew I wanted to return. At that time we only had six soccer balls, so we had to use them as prizes for certain games. We could not give everyone a ball. I was determined to come back to this group one day with enough resources for every participant and that is what we did. In 2020, we had enough soccer balls for every participant and we even left some behind for the younger students who couldn’t participate with us. While we had more resources, nothing will replace the smiles I saw four years ago. Now, they are covered by masks. As for hugs, well, we had to remember those from years prior too. 

COVID-19 has changed how our programs function and where we are able to go. For the near future, I will be doing a lot of travel to Mexico, but I hope to expand to more countries soon as travel bans get lifted. Alongside Around the Worlds, both organizations I partnered with on this trip took the pandemic very seriously.

Every kid kept their distance and wore masks, which I never thought I would see all of the kids doing. Yes, they were eager to play, but they were more adamant on keeping themselves and those around them safe while doing so. Access to healthcare in this region is limited so it is critical to follow the COVID-19 guidelines. We made sure the program was non-contact by working on listening skills, communication and basic ball maneuvers. We also had time to work on freestyle ball tricks! 

Los Niños del Capitán have a tournament soccer team and recently, they participated in a few games and won. The kids brought the trophies out so we could admire them, which was a special moment!

I am so proud of them and I hope they continue to practice their soccer skills for future tournaments. There is not a doubt in my mind that this trophy is a testament to their hard work and will certainly be the first of many more in a decorated trophy case.