Playing (Soccer) For Change in Nicaragua

At Fútbol Sin Fronteras (FSF), the field is more than a place to play. It is a space where girls grow in confidence, community, and hope. In a year filled with opportunities and challenges, FSF continues to show how sport can open doors to belief and transformation. From first-time league appearances to creative leadership activities, recent months have reflected the energy and purpose that define FSF.

Here are a few highlights from the past quarter that show what happens when girls are supported to lead, to learn, and to thrive:

Equipped for Success
This September, FSF provided school supplies to girls in its education programs, ensuring they had what they needed to finish the school year with confidence. Items like notebooks, pens, and uniforms may seem simple, but for many families in Granada, they make a significant difference. This kind of material support helps reduce financial strain while also sending a clear message to each participant: you matter…and your education matters.

Growing Through League Play
Over the past few months, girls across all age groups had opportunities to compete, grow, and shine in official matches and tournaments. From U8s stepping onto the field for the very first time to U15 players making their league debuts, every moment was a chance to build confidence and celebrate progress.

August marked the finals of FSF’s Women’s Opening League, where community members and families packed the sidelines to cheer on their daughters. Their presence created an atmosphere of excitement and belonging that extended far beyond the pitch. Parents not only showed up but actively supported their daughters’ efforts, traveling to friendlies, encouraging their participation, and celebrating each milestone with pride.

The summer season also brought playful energy to the field, with friendly matches, creative challenges, and team-building moments that helped strengthen relationships across teams and communities. These experiences are more than just games. They are spaces where girls are reminded that they are seen, valued, and part of something bigger.

Dream Champions in Action
As part of the Dream Champions initiative, FSF participants continued to explore topics like respect, equity, and leadership through soccer-based challenges. In the latest phase, girls reflected on gender equity and menstrual health, combining physical activity with learning and conversation. Supported by Grupo Bimbo and Fundación Selección Colombia, this program encourages girls to think critically and act confidently, building tools that will serve them far beyond the field.

While much of what makes FSF special remains unchanged, recent developments in the global regulatory environment required us to thoughtfully adjust how support for the program is structured. These changes affected some of the behind-the-scenes administrative processes, but they did not alter the core of what FSF is or the impact it creates.

As we shared in our previous update, FSF continues as a locally led initiative in Granada, supported by donors and champions around the world. The same experienced coaches, the same commitment to holistic support, and the same belief in the power of sport continue to guide the work forward. Thanks to your partnership, FSF is able to serve girls across Nicaragua with care, consistency, and a legacy of transformation that carries on.