Three times is the charm! This was our third partnership with Feeding Los Cabos Kids (FLCK) and our first meeting goes all the way back to 2016 at one of their feeding centers in San José. We also worked with them in 2020 at Comedor America. 

I took a morning trip to the FLCK main office, which was only three blocks from where I was staying. I met two amazing volunteers, who I did not connect with last time. As always, we loaded the soccer equipment and supplies, which included cookies, condiments, juices, rice, oranges and more) into the 12-seater van. Once buckled in, we headed off to one of their kitchens. 

I finished pumping three more soccer balls and joked to the volunteers that I had 21 more to go as we continued light hearted conversation. 

While driving, cement turned to dirt and the paved road became anything but, I was filled with excitement. The deeper we got into las colonias, the rougher the terrain, but the closer I got to the smiles I was waiting to see. We were all a little grateful to be in a lifted vehicle since every pothole and cater jostled the van. 

The excitement made the drive seem 10 times longer than it was. We finally made it to our destination. On my right was the enclosed kitchen and on the left an open playing space lined by a fence with a small viewing area for younger kids and parents to cheer.

Nearly 30 kids gathered. Young and old, bajos y altos. I asked if the kids preferred to play in the enclosed space or in the street. Unanimously, they said the street, despite the potential danger from passing cars. Fortunately, I made a deal with them. We did the drills in the dirt but played the big scrimmage on a dead end street. 

We jumped right into active listening drills designed to focus on their reflexes too. After a few rounds of that game, we broke into a relay race. Before each race, I asked the kids if they knew how to do a particular skill. “Who knows the best trick of Ronaldo, la bicicleta?” I asked. One boy stepped forward and did three perfect step overs with a stationary ball. I offered an outstretched fist to show my approval and appreciation that he volunteered. 

After many rounds of skills and races, we broke out into mano o cabeza. As you know, this is a crowd favorite. We had more than 30 soccer balls and the final five won a soccer ball. We played three rounds totalling 15 winners, although every participant would walk away with a ball that day. We broke into the full scrimmage, which I promised them at the beginning of our time together. 

At first, it was chaotic to say the least. The participant who volunteered to do the stepovers suggested we split into smaller teams and play golden goal to cycle through scrimmage games. I assumed the position as referee where I got to chat with some of the participants waiting for their turn on the sideline. A young girl tapped me on the shoulder, which turned into a very special conversation. 

“I really do enjoy playing soccer,” she said. I replied asking if she had a ball to practice with at home. She softly shook her head no. “My brother… he is 15, but he also likes to play,” she added. “Does he have a ball? Maybe you two can share and practice together,” I suggested.

“No, he never has,” she stated. This broke my heart, but I wanted to find a way to make this girl’s day. “Let’s see,” I told her. “I think after today you’ll be all set,” I said with a wink. She smiled ear to ear and ran back onto the field. 

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We wrapped up the scrimmage and moved back to the fenced area where we all enjoyed a well deserved snack break. They all ran to some shade and sat down patiently as another volunteer brought the soccer balls to my side. Every child received a ball and our 15 winners from earlier got first pick, in terms of color and style. 

The boy who mastered the stepovers again came up to me and said, “Coach, next time you come back maybe we can create a team with all the best players from El Caribe.” I smiled at this idea, as he not only was excited for us to return again, but he had ideas to bring the program to the next level. 

Before parting ways, we exchanged autographs, as this is a customary practice in Mexico. A line formed to add a special message to every soccer ball. One of the kitchen supervisors who helped oversee the event set up post-game snacks and took a group photo. They were all so excited to continue playing, learning and dreaming and thanked me endlessly, but my endless thanks goes to them. Gracias a ti. Gracias por todo lo que hacen por los niños. Están los héroes. En verdad, están ángeles aquí en la Tierra.

Thank you to you. Thank you for everything you do for the kids. You are the real heroes. In truth, you are angels here on Earth.