Soccer Play and Instruction

A muddy game in Granada, Nicaragua, 2008At each of our project sites, soccer is the most popular game. It is played, watched and loved by a majority of the people in the communities with whom we work. Due to limited equipment, space and existing social hierarchies, however, many young people do not get the opportunity to participate in soccer. When you watch a typical game, it is likely to see upwards of 25-30 people playing in a small space. Even for many of the people on the field, they spend very little time with the ball. This is a very intimidating game to enter for girls or other socially excluded members of the community.  Often these youth will not play, unless opportunities are created specifically for them. 

Our programs intentionally create opportunities for youth that are excluded from soccer, including girls, refugees, immigrants and indigenous youth. Within these programs, we coach (and teach others to coach) using Team Up For Youth's building blocks for quality youth sports. This framework creates a safe and participatory learning environment that encourages the youth to play, build their confidence by learning a new skill, and connect with caring adults. 

The services we provide to improve the quality of the soccer experience include the following:  

• Assisting with Equipment Needs

• Providing Coaches Training 

• Providing Coaching Manuals

• Running Camps, Clinics, and Training Sessions 

• Sharing Knowledge of Sports Based Youth Development

• Helping to Form New Leagues, Teams and Sustainable Structures